Writing from viewpoints that differ from your own can be difficult. It's why Mark Twain said, "write what you know." Characters will not move organically through a story if they aren't grounded in reality, and the only reality you know is your own. That doesn't mean there's just 12 versions of yourself interacting with one … Continue reading The Bechdel Test
Have you ever come across a short story that just begs for further discussion? How about a whole series of them? I've written before about story types and endings before in previous posts. Some wrap themselves up nicely, resolving the central conflict and conveying any intended themes. They can still be impactful but tend to … Continue reading Litmag Spotlight – After Dinner Conversation
At some point, this story just started writing itself!Every writer ever In 1967, literary critic Roland Barthes wrote an essay in his native French language on the concept of separating text from that whoever it was that penned it. He dubbed it Death of The Author, looking to create a more objective study of written … Continue reading Modern Day Struggles with “Death of The Author”
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman So, you've been writing your next short story or novel, plugging away on word after word. Your main character has been through the ringer, and just learned a valuable lesson that fixed their main flaw. It doesn't feel right to stop yet so you provide them a denouement, seeing … Continue reading Ending a Story
"Come now," said Yousef. "Everyone fights an American war."American War, Omar El Akkad I purchased this novel, American War, recently while waiting to fly out from Toronto to Calgary after finding myself with a couple of hours. The wait happens sometimes, being someone who's afraid to get caught up in some unexpected security line. This … Continue reading A Review – American War
Here we are, the final of Orson Scott Card's 4 story types that I have yet to cover. I feel like this has been a long time in the making. Too long. In just a few months, much has gone on in my life which drew me away from the keyboard and, eventually, pushed me … Continue reading Story Types – Character
Happy New Year, readers! 2020 has only just begun and I have another short story out in the world! Young One is now available in Issue #2 of Vaughan Street Doubles. Young One is the sci-fi story of a burgeoning relationship between our planet and technology. It builds off many themes I've toyed with in … Continue reading Publishing Update – Young One
Christmas is near! Houses are lit up in dark with green and red bulbs, wreaths hang heavy on front doors, and malls become packed with increasingly desperate shoppers. So much happens during December for the sole purpose of this impending event. It brings families closer together (or tears them apart) and is the time for … Continue reading Story Types – Event
The last time I blogged about Orson Scott Card's 4 story types, it was all about Milieu structures. Exploring strange worlds. This week is focused on idea stories! Idea stories are all about characters' quests to answer questions presented at the forefront of the story. Their investigation, or discoveries, fuel the narrative. Usually, the protagonists … Continue reading Story Types – Idea
So, I went from my normal bi-weekly posts about creative writing, food, or whatever, to these slew of updates on several short stories being published. It feels weird to break from routine! Maybe this is my fault? After all, I was the one who thought it was a good idea to query them all at … Continue reading Publishing Update – New Short Stories!
