John Scalzi is a Hugo award-winning author of science fiction.
And when people mention Scalzis name, its usually followed by how does he write so much?
The answer is, apparently, by sitting at a corner desk with a ukulele at the ready.
Ive also written a mostly-daily blog,Whatever, since 1998.
I, uh, use it for writing.
Yeah, thats it.
Laptops are a Dell XPS 12 (the one with the flappable screen) and an Asus Chromebook Flip.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
What do you use for writing?
I use theWordpressweb interface to write on my blog.
I useGmailand Google Inbox interchangeably.
On my blog and elsewhere I have use for a lot of photography.
For occasional audio work, I use aBlue Yeti microphoneandAdobe Auditionto process it.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I have a home office with custom-built shelving and desk, built for me by local businessOverholser Cabinets.
My desk is purposely designed to be small to keep it relatively distraction-free.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
When Im writing a novel or other long project I will turn off the internet from 8am to noon.
Thats when Im the most focused and creative, generally.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Likewise, on book tour, my publicist and media handlers keep me on schedule.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
Do you ever write away from a computer?
Have you used or do you use a typewriter or pen and paper?
Do you find yourself always working on something?
But that also comes with the luxury of not having to hunt for work for pay the mortgage.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
What do you listen to while you work?
I tend not to listen to music while writing novels or serious projects because it will distract me.
I dont listen to new music when doing anything brain-intensive; I get distracted.
I save new music for down time.
What are you currently reading?
Just finishedSevenevesby Neal Stephenson.
steal tone or plot elements from whatever Im reading.
How do you recharge?
Naps and video games and hanging out with my family.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Then I go back to sleep.
Im usually up for good around 8am.
I work from home!
I donthaveto get up!
Bwa ha ha ha hah ha!
I may doze on the plane.
This is not optimal, but thats the touring life.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Life is not a zero-sum game.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
Also, Im standing directly behind you right now.
Try not to panic.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
