Notes on Creating Dark Creatures

Back in the late 1970’s, I played Advanced Dungeons and Dragons two or three nights a week. Wait, I should correct that. I worked at AD&D because I was always the Dungeon Master. I had to come up with new quests, places, characters, and even creatures. All of my players had access to copies of […]

Flash Fiction Notes

A Flash Fiction Story: Milk They finally cornered him, his creamy mustache still visible. “You owe us for twelve bottles!” The thief’s eyes surveyed the dank alleyway looking for an escape route. “I didn’t take them, I’m lactose intolerant!” The oldest sister, breathless from running while carrying a lead pipe, said, “We know. We tracked […]

The Muse’s Prayer

Muse, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change due to getting published or accepted by an editor; Courage to focus on the next publication deadline; and Wisdom to write down those changes so when it goes to a reprint market I can add that kick-butt line.

An Introduction to IAMTW

Since it’s a new year, I thought I would introduce you to the professional organization for media tie-in works. While not as well-known as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), the Horror Writers Association (HWA), or Mystery Writers of America (MWA), the IAMTW is filled with many recognizable names who are members of […]

Popcorn Kittens

Saw this on Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s website. Reminded me of Kevin J. Anderson’s Popcorn Theory of Writing Success. Enjoy!  

Preemptive Guide to Avoid Evil-Doers

Every day, a batch of people decide to write a short story or a novel. For the vast majority, the realization that writing is a difficult task to accomplish will push them back to scrolling through the Netflix guide or trying to catch Squirtle on their “Pokemon Go!” game. For those who do manage to […]

Authors: Avoid Using MicroSoft OneDrive

As an author, I’ve used cloud drives for years. I have some off-brand versions plus Google Drive, DropBox, and MicroSoft OneDrive. Out of all of them, MicroSoft OneDrive is the one you should avoid at all costs. Some of my projects have large files, such as a graphic novel I’m working on. I have several […]

Failed Ford Turing Test, Bad Robot, No Oilcan

So I went onto the Ford section of JustAnswer.com to ask a question. A pop-up appeared, and it said Pearl Wilson was typing. She asked me about my issue with the vehicle, but by the third question I knew it was either a scam or a Turing test written by a kangaroo jumping randomly on […]

Harl Vincent, Pulp Engineer

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope your 2017 is joyful and prosperous. I’m glad that psychotic and murderous 2016 is finally over. I have to admit, I have an affinity for the early science fiction, fantasy, and weird tales that came out in the beginning of the twentieth century. Some of the tales are cringe-worthy […]