An Interview with William F. Nolan
Interview conducted c. early 2010s
Introduction
William F. Nolan is an award-winning author whose career spans more than half a century and encompasses over two thousand works across science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, westerns, and mainstream fiction. He is best known as the co-author of Logan’s Run, a landmark dystopian novel that remains influential in speculative fiction.
This interview was conducted during a period when Nolan was reflecting on a lifetime of professional writing defined by productivity, versatility, and narrative clarity. The conversation focuses on imagination, structural fundamentals, genre freedom, and the disciplined habits that sustain long-term creative output.
Nolan’s responses reflect a classical storytelling philosophy. He emphasizes imagination, momentum, and decisive endings, approaching fiction as a craft shaped by instinct, experience, and relentless practice rather than theory or trend.
This interview is preserved as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, documenting the voices and working methods of contemporary genre creators.
WilliamFNolan_Interview
The Interview
Life as a Writer
How did you get into writing?
I began serious writing in 1951, compiling and editing The Ray Bradbury Review, though I’d been writing since age ten in lined school notebooks. I wrote throughout high school but didn’t submit work until later. In 1954, I made my first story sale. Since then, I’ve sold over two hundred short stories. I don’t have trunk stories—everything has sold.
When did you first realize that you have what it takes to be a writer?
When I sold a story to Playboy for five hundred dollars—written in a single hour one Sunday afternoon. Until then, writing had been more of a hobby.
Premise
Where do you get your ideas from?
Ideas are everywhere—in conversations, newspapers, television—but mostly they arise unbidden from imagination. You either have a strong imagination or you don’t.
How do you develop your ideas into a story?
I start with an opening line, then write the final line. Once I know the beginning and the end, I fill in the middle. With a solid plot concept, the rest flows naturally.
Genre
What kind of stories do you enjoy working with?
All kinds. Science fiction, horror, humor, mainstream fiction. I enjoy dark fantasy, mystery, and straight character studies.
What genres would you like to explore in the future?
None in particular. I’ve written in virtually every genre and never limit myself to just one.
Structure
Do you work from an outline?
For novels, yes—a loose outline. Never for short fiction, though I do make notes about direction.
Plot
How do you build your story?
Every story should follow an arc of suspense with a payoff at the end. It must have a beginning, middle, and end. I don’t write fragments.
Character
For you, what makes a great hero?
A character who overcomes a great enemy or performs a truly heroic act.
If one of your characters were to describe you, what would they say?
“That Nolan guy has written a ton of stuff. He’s compelled to write—it’s in his blood and bones—and he still gets a kick out of seeing his name in print.”
Setting
How much time do you spend researching the setting for your stories?
It depends on the story. Some require no research, others a great deal. I always double-check facts.
What settings would you like to explore in the future?
The human mind. It offers endless possibilities.
Theme
Do you like to know the purpose of your story before you sit down to write it?
Yes. Otherwise you end up with empty prose. Every story has its own form and shape, and I never begin unless I know where it’s going.
Dialogue
Do you have any favorite lines from your stories?
Every writer does, but I’ll let readers choose their own favorites.
Writing Process
Do you have a routine?
No fixed routine. I write first drafts by hand, at my desk or in coffee shops. I never listen to music—it’s distracting.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I don’t worry about it. I jump around between projects, so there’s always something to write.
Story Development
How do you go about fixing a story?
You cut, tighten, and revise—but never in a first hot draft. Each draft improves the story.
How do you know when to stop?
Your instincts tell you. Once you reach the climax, you stop.
Words of Advice
What words of advice would you give to new writers?
Write every day. Read good writers constantly. Read widely. Learn from the masters.
Final Thoughts
What’s the best thing you’ve ever written?
Logan’s Run.
What are you working on now?
Eleven books—collections, biographies, verse, anthologies, and novels. Great fun.
Closing
This interview captures William F. Nolan’s enduring commitment to imagination, discipline, and narrative clarity. His reflections emphasize productivity, instinct, and respect for storytelling fundamentals, offering a perspective shaped by decades of sustained professional work.
Presented here as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, this conversation preserves a voice defined by longevity, versatility, and a lifelong devotion to the written word.