Although Zinos-Amaro is listed as the author of this book, it is in fact a collaborative effort. It consists of a series of interviews between prolific science fiction and fantasy writer Michael Swanwick and Zinos-Amaro. These interviews cover Swanwick’s stand-alone short stories and novels, flash fiction and series fiction, and collaborations with other authors. Zinos-Amaro brings up one work at a time and asks leading questions, and Swanwick responds by delving into inspirations, research, process, themes, and other fascinating details that take the stories from wisps of ideas to publication. In short, this is one of the best books on writing I’ve ever read. It’s not even necessary for you to be familiar with the stories that are discussed to benefit from the many tips on fiction writing from an acknowledged master.

I left the United States back in the early 1970s because I wanted to live life to the full and find my own unique voice as a writer. At that time the new wave in science fiction included writers such as Samuel Delaney, Roger Zelazny, Ursula K. Le Guin, Harlan Ellison, and others, but Swanwick was as yet unknown. He didn’t publish his first stories until the 1980s, and by then I had lost touch with the field. While my wife and I were raising a family in Greece, though, the internet eventually came to our household; this was in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I began to read stories posted online for awards consideration, and many of these were by Swanwick. During this period he was on a roll, with numerous nominated stories, many of which won top prizes such as the Nebula, the Hugo, and the World Fantasy Award. I became aware then that Swanwick was one of the top writers in science fiction and fantasy and one of the best short story writers ever. Later, after I moved back to the States, I met Swanwick at a Clarion West event and we talked for a long time; our conversation then was similar to the tone of this book: intellectually stimulating, frequently surprising, and lots of fun.

One thing that stands out throughout this book is that Swanwick is in love with writing. The text is full of gems like these: “I went into this business with my eyes pretty wide open. Part of my plan was poverty.” “Once you decide that you’re not going to live as well as a Certified Public Accountant that makes a lot of things possible! One of the things it makes possible is that you get to write whatever you want. I chose freedom over money.”

Here’s another great quote: “I believe in the beauty of short fiction, in the purity of it, and the fact that it can do things that long fiction simply cannot.” Swanwick has certainly proven this over the years.

And here’s a glimpse of some of the practical advice he liberally shares: “My first drafts always suck. You know, writing bad prose isn’t fun, but it’s a necessary first step to writing good prose.” Personally I was working through a tough first draft when I read this, and it helped me to persevere.

Swanwick’s descriptions of how much time and effort go into each story amaze me. He does extensive research to get details right; even if readers wouldn’t know whether certain facts were true or not, this painstaking care creates a sense of verisimilitude that is evident when you read his tales. If he begins a story and it doesn’t take off, he sets it aside, sometimes for months, until it comes to life, and then he finishes it. However, he balances this intense dedication with a sense of joy. “I was never afraid to write a small, funny, not-very-important story.” “I’ve always just written the best thing I could write at that particular moment.”

I found it interesting that though Swanwick frequently appears in leading magazines and anthologies, he and his wife Marianne Porter also publish some of his works in chapbooks via their own press. His cornucopia of stories overflows into many channels.

In conclusion, I recommend Being Michael Swanwick as an invaluable tool for writers and as an absorbing look for all readers of what lies behind the creative process. It is an intimate visit with a very talented writer, and it is likely that, like me, when you come to the last page you will be immensely satisfied but at the same time wish there was more.