Adding Sexual Tension

Sexual tension can always be expected in any romance or erotica story, but it can always work as a major or subordinate plot point for your speculative fiction work. While the ideas I point out here are not specific to any genre, they can be used in any work to spice things up. So what […]

Creating Tension with a Ticking Clock

How can you tell when a clock is really tense? When it’s all wound up. Creating tension by using some form of a limit is one of the easiest methods to ratchet up the tension in any manuscript, from novel to play to movie script. When many newer authors first hear about adding in a […]

Organizing Your Projects

Like most of the authors I know, I’m not a naturally organized person. Sometimes it’s a struggle to force myself to get the major plot points or non-fiction chapters mapped out before I start on a new project. After installing a giant electronic whiteboard I picked up on CraigsList, I was able to see the […]

Things to Consider Before Starting a Career as a Writer

Everyone knows it is easy to write novels and short stories. All you need is a pencil and some form of paper or a computer. That’s the only requirements to become a famous and rich author. OK, you can stop laughing now. If you’re seriously considering starting a full-time writing career, there are several seemingly […]

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 […]