Independent author
One of the questions I’ve been pondering as I’ve worked on my next short story/novella/whatever it turns out to be is, well, what it’s going to turn out to be. Is there actually enough story here for it to unexpectedly sneak its way to novel status, or will it just settle in as a longer short story? [Read more…] about Do You Have Enough Story for a Novel?
Or, at least, I anticipate it being a short story. And I should probably put “short” in quotations because I could easily see it pushing 40K+ words, which isn’t all that short. But I digress … [Read more…] about My Next Short Story: No Outlet
Yes, the rumors are true. I’ve got a second book out on the Amazon stage. It’s been a different journey on this one than with the first. I knew a bit more about the publishing game this time around. I knew a bit more about my own writing, and how to get this whole thing to work. I’m still trying different things, and I’m a long way from having any secret formula, but I’m hoping I’ll keep learning as I go.
This one’s called “Tomorrow’s News Today,” and it’s hugely influenced by the hours upon hours of Hitchcock and Twilight Zone I’ve spent watching over the past 30+ years. [Read more…] about Tomorrow’s News Today … is Out Today
In the midst of writing “Killing the Immortals” and getting that behemoth edited and ready for publication, I’ve had to allow a few much shorter pieces to gather a bit of dust. And, frankly, that’s fine. Getting some distance from the process of writing them helps by making it easier to look at them with fresh eyes.
It’s actually funny revisiting them after all these months; it’s like I didn’t even write them. I don’t really remember typing the words, so it’s pretty much like reading someone else’s story. I’ve been trying to iron out some wrinkles, catch typos, and get these ready to send to an editor for a deeper look. After that, I’m not sure, but I definitely want to get a final manuscript complete so they’re ready to go when I decide what I want to do with them.
One of those short stories is called “The Slingshot.” On the surface, it’s about a terrible accident happening, and how a family deals with it. Theme-wise, it’s about the relationship of two brothers, and how it can transcend some very difficult circumstances. The first chapter is below. I’d love to hear your thoughts, in the comments here, on Twitter, Facebook, or come knock on my door. Ya know, whatever. [Read more…] about Excerpt from my short story: “The Slingshot”
Last week, I mentioned that the first story I ever wrote was called “Phobia,” from around 19 years ago. I initially thought it was probably lost to the sands of time, since there was no way for me to save it back then. But I remembered I printed it, and I left open the possibility my mom may have tucked it away somewhere at the house.
Well, somewhat predictably, she did … or, at least, part of it. It’s printed on perforated, holed printer paper in some sort of odd Serif font. I’d say it’s clearly influenced by Stephen King, but that seems like far too high praise for it. Let’s just say that I’m quite sure it’s influenced by Stephen King, and I won’t be bothered if no one else picks up on that.
Anyway, for the sake of mildly entertaining you, and embarrassing myself, here’s an excerpt from Chapter 2 (small background for the reading: Shawn is deathly afraid of sharp blades): [Read more…] about The First Story I Ever Wrote: Phobia