When I tell people what I do, they say, “Oh, that must be nice, doing what you love for a living!” Well, Squiders, now that I’ve worked both sides of the line, I’m here to tell you why you shouldn’t
Working Past the Beginning
So I’m finally getting to work on my chainsaw edit, but, like all my stories, I started in the wrong place and have to write a new beginning. (I know, I know, I’m so backwards. Most people start too early,
Turtleduck Press is Open for Submissions
Turtleduck Press, an independent publishing co-op specializing in science fiction and fantasy, is now open to submissions for people wishing to join. Information about TDP, membership perks, and submission guidelines are available here. While you’re looking at the submission information,
Oh, Distractions
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.
