Guys, I cannot focus on anything. Well, I mean, I can, because things must be done, but it’s kind of like being a kid at the end of the semester, knowing that summer is coming, and if you can just
Fighting With the God of Thunder
I’m working on what I call my chainsaw edit of a paranormal romance novel (where I look at the overall structure of the novel and make all major changes to plot, character, flow, etc.) and I’ve found myself running into
Writing Communities: Pros and Cons
I can’t help it, Squiders. I love bulleted lists. It is a horrible addiction, and I swear that I am searching for help so that one day, hopefully soon, I can be free of their indented glory. If you’re a
Anthologies: Pros and Cons
Ah, anthologies. I love to write for them. I am usually disappointed when I read them. It boggles the mind. Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, an anthology is a collection of stories from different authors
Dealing with Side Characters
You know, Squiders, main characters are bad enough. They don’t do what you want them to do, or they forget the plot in a moment of passion, or you turn your back for a moment and they’ve decided being a
What is a Subplot?
We all know what a plot is, don’t we, Squiders? The plot is what happens. It’s the series of events that takes us from the beginning to the end. So, what’s a subplot? A subplot is a series events that
As You Know, Bob
You may not be familiar with this term, but you know it. You’ve seen it on movies, read it in books, maybe used it in stories of your own creation. Used well and subtly, it can be a useful tool.
Research Makes a Story Richer
Ah, research. I know it doesn’t necessarily sound fun (unless you’re one of those people, like me, who goes, “Oh, I don’t really know anything about evil spirits. Time to go to the library! Glee!”) but a little realism can
Pen Names
Pen names. Nom de plumes. In simple terms, when you put out work under another name that is not your own, but is still meant to be you (i.e., not ghost-writing for someone else). Some people do, some people don’t.
An Addendum About Beta-Readers
You know, I’ve been around the block a few times, but I still occasionally make silly mistakes. And then I come and post about them here, hopefully to save you from making the same mistakes. Last week (or was it
