Why Blog?

I know a lot of author folks who let their blogs languish. After all, if only a few visitors pop in, why go through all the hassle of putting up stuff? Sudden Celebrity If one of your books started selling thousands of copies a day, there are going to be a flood of folks who […]

Flash Fiction Story: Lightpath

Crew Log 233: This is my second day trapped on the event horizon of a black hole. I’m not the only one, though. No matter what direction I look there’s another person following me. He’s wearing a similar space suit and always has his back turned towards me. He never gets any closer. I’ll report […]

How Kids Think

Want to write a Middle Grade or YA book? Always consider how your audience thinks. Here’s an old series of jokes that made the rounds and demonstrated kid logic. From those who should know: All questions were answered by kids, age 5-10 WHAT IS THE PROPER AGE TO GET MARRIED? “Eighty-four, Because at that age, […]

Goals, Fears, and Fuzzies

Publishing Goals I came to the realization that I’ve been writing professionally (off and on) for forty years. I’ve hit all of my major goals over the years. It’s a lucky thing that I have so many stories trying to get out of my skull before I keel over…they keep me going as a writer. […]

Small Publisher Series: James Ward Kirk Publishing

James Ward Kirk Publishing This micro press run by (no surprise) author and editor James Ward Kirk puts out several unique anthologies per year, plus a couple of annuals. This is a for-the-love or a token payment press (two $25 awards for the top two submissions). I love many of their anthology concepts and come […]

ArchonSTL 41

Archon St. Louis is a speculative fiction genre convention based in…wait for it…Collinsville, IL. It’s just over the border from St. Louis, Missouri. The con is typically held at the Gateway Convention Center and the Doubletree Hotel. I just arrived home from ArchonSTL a few days ago. This is the 41st year of the convention, […]