outline

How to Outline

Authoring a novel is exciting, but let's face it, few writing projects are more challenging. The key to a successful novel often lies in the preparation – and that starts with creating a well-structured outline. Let's explore how to craft an outline that will serve as the blueprint for your…
September 29, 20237 Comments
Newpub Neopatronage

Newpub: Neopatroange

The moment you try searching Amazon for a book you want to read, it becomes clear that something has gone quite wrong. Maybe it's vacant-eyed bugmen obsessed with fixing what's not broken throwing wrenches in the works. Perhaps it's cynical pens-for-hire hijacking the algorithm with payola. Or maybe it's outright…
September 28, 20234 Comments
Seraph

Combat Frame Data: Seraph

 Technical Data Model number: XCD-209 Code name: XSeed Angel King Kaiser Eckhart Custom Nickname: Seraph Classification: custom Two-series high mobility combat frame Manufacturer: PAX modification of ISBC design Operator: PAX First deployment: CY 99 Crew: 1 pilot in cockpit in chest Height: 21 meters Weight: 102 metric tons Armor type:…
September 27, 2023
Western RPG

West vs West

Here at this blog, we're inclined to frame the crisis facing the West as a spiritual battle between Christendom and the totalizing Death Cult seeking to destroy it. But just yesterday, a reader pointed me to a post that examines our civilizational decline through the lens of video RPGs, which…
September 26, 202315 Comments
fingers crossed

Agreement Incapable

I regret to inform you that the motley gang of linear thinking helots and malfunctioning bots infesting Amazon are at it again. And now they've gotten back around to setting beloved Mil-Sci fi authors Jason Anspach and Nick Cole in their sights. Nick broke the news on Twitter. In case…
September 25, 202320 Comments
Mousetrap Murders Banner

The Mousetrap Murders

Today's newpub showcase features a crime thriller by one of my cherished clients. And it's no stretch to tell you that I would recommend this taut mystery novel even if I hadn't edited it. See for yourself what I mean: A man wakes up in his car, unaware of how…
September 22, 2023
Calling It Quits

How to Know When to Quit (And Start Over)

New authors often find themselves lost in the creative wilderness, wrestling with the decision of whether to keep wrestling with a problem manuscript or cut their losses and start over. Writing a book is a challenge. There's no shame in realizing that a project isn't working as planned. Let's look…
September 21, 20238 Comments
surrogate hamster

Surrogate Activities

A video posted last month by a mid-sized video game review channel issued a scathing indictment of current AAA gaming. It's worth a watch, despite some crude language. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8jC2KT481c The immediate reaction from anyone with the least bit of awareness is "He's right! Video games suck now!"…
September 20, 202319 Comments
It Was Over the Road

It Was Over the Road

An OG reader and Twitter mutual passes along this recent encounter with high strangeness: Big thanks to Anon for giving us the story of an orb to ponder. And this week, I review Tales from the Darkside: The Movie as a patron exclusive. Get access to your choice of recurring…
September 19, 2023
Creepshow 2

Creepshow 2

Creepshow 2, the sequel to the beloved 1982 original, certainly has its macabre storytelling moments. While it doesn't quite reach the same heights as its predecessor, it manages to deliver a decent dose of chills that should satisfy fans of anthology-style horror. One of the movie's standout segments is "The…
September 18, 2023