A man finds an ancient book in a cluttered attic. What could it mean? What is it foreshadowing?
Fiction Writing
I write fiction, lots of it, in multiple genres for over forty years, and have completed four novels in that time. Explore the worlds I have created. Peek into the deepest recesses of my mind. My predominant genres are: Science Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, and Paranormal Romance.
Structure: How to use “Save the Cat”
Today, as part of my fiction writing series, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the “Save the Cat” writing technique. This is a revolutionary approach to storytelling that has captivated writers and audiences alike. Originated by screenwriter Blake Snyder, “Save the Cat” offers a unique structure for crafting engaging narratives. At its heart, the…
Tone: Expert Techniques for Mastering the Art in Fiction Writing
Introduction In the intricate tapestry of fiction writing, tone is not just a thread, but the very color that gives life to the narrative. It’s the voice behind the words. It is the subtle yet powerful force that shapes how readers feel and react to the story. But what is tone, exactly? In essence, tone,…
Indie Publishing: Wide or Narrow, Which is Better?
In the realm of independent publishing (indie publishing as we say in the trade), authors are faced with a crucial decision: should they go wide or go narrow when distributing their books? This choice can significantly impact their reach, earnings, and overall success in the highly competitive world of self-publishing. In this post, we’ll explore…
Mood: How to Craft a Compelling Narrative
“Bart, He’s Establishing Mood.” One of my very first insights into the craft of writing, and using mood, was watching the very first “The Simpson’s Halloween Special,” which is also the seminal episode of the “Treehouse of Horror” anthology broadcast every year. It really was a masterwork of retelling a few classic horror/sci-fi related stories…
"Exit 57" appearing in "Yay! There're Here!"
One of my short stories, “Exit 57” is appearing in the great anthology “Yay! They’re Here!” by Dead Fish Books. I will let the editor, Helen Davis explain the content: “The Aliens are coming! The Aliens are coming! O Happy Day!And then…the course of First Contact never runs smooth. We present to you a collection…
How to Navigate the Lonely Seas of Creativity as an Independent Writer
The Loneliness of the Independent Writing Journey Writing is a fairly a solitary endeavor, and independent writers often find themselves battling the loneliness that comes with it. Without a traditional office environment or colleagues to interact with, writers may experience isolation and a lack of motivation. While the most introverted of us thrive with reduced…
Vignette: Sagittarius
I wrote this vignette based off the first novel I ever attempted to write: Sagittarius. I was an undergraduate when I embarked on writing a space opera in the vein of Asimov’s classic Foundation series. The book, not the Apple+ “adaptation.” Set 200 years into the future when humanity develops a new FTL drive. It…
Vignette: The Rogue
I wrote this vignette coming home from the office on the train. The concept of rogue planets captured my imagination. Imagine a world cast from its home system and banished to the cold dark of deep space. This inspired a vignette to spring into my mind. Since then we have discovered that the cosmos brims…
Vignette – New Jersey, July, 2153
It’s cold today. The kind of cold that reminds you what winter is actually like. Not the kinda winter we usually get, the colder than autumn. This is gloves and hat weather, even for me. The older I get the more I don’t like the cold, but the more I appreciate it. Yet it wasn’t…