The Inside Voice: Thoughts from a Novelist
C. S. ZolondekA novelist’s weekly newsletter about his works and writing in general.
| Platform |  | Pricing | Only free issues | Publishes | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issues | 8 | Founded | 2 months ago | Last Issue | 8 days ago |
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What is your writing routine?
I am not sure I have one. Being a novelist is not my primary job, so writing happens in the margins — when other obligations allow it. If I have a routine at all, it is simply this: try to get something done. Easier said than done.
What I...
How do you write characters whose worldview is completely different from your own?
It takes time, and there is no single method. But here are the three approaches that worked for me.
The first is empathy — and I mean empathy practiced as a discipline, not just a temperament. Whenever I encounter a controversial topic, I...
Where did the concept of the "outside voice" come from?
There was a time in my life when I believed in psychic powers. I honestly do not believe in psychic abilities anymore — but they remain a great basis for fiction.
I cannot really address this question without spoilers, so please stop readi...
What's up with Blythe's hyperlexia? Does it mean anything?
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, I wanted Blythe to feel recognizably like a four-year-old while being unmistakably unlike any four-year-old you have met. Hyperlexia was central to that, but it was not the whole of it. I gave her th...
Why did you decide to include a cat as one of your point of view characters?
Before I answer the question, I want to promote an awesome store, Tara’s Tomes (tarastomes.com). It specializes in LGBT books and books by Canadian authors. The owner, Tara Orfani, is also an author. You can find books from her series, the...
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Authors
The writers behind this newsletter.
C. S. Zolondek holds a doctorate in anthropology and works in academia. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, his love of cultures and complex characters has shaped his storytelling style. The Outside Voice, published in 2026, is his debut novel.
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