Word Economy

Economies of Words

In my years of writing and editing experience, I've noticed that new writers tend to let their ideas flow like an untamed river. They get the release of seeing their thoughts realized on the page, but they risk inundating readers with words - some of which are the story while…
July 10, 20235 Comments
Dragon Awards

The Dragons Ride Again

It seems like forever ago that a ragtag bunch of newpub, Baen, and Castalia House authors dominated the first annual Dragon Awards. That day was an early career highlight, and I'm still thankful to my readers and supporters. What would become the current dissident scene was still taking shape back…
July 7, 20233 Comments
Gemini Warrior

Gemini Warrior

Gemini Warrior (Gemini Man Book 1) is now available from newpub author JD Cowan. TWO MEN; ONE POWER Matthew and Jason are just two nobodies in a city of heroes and villains. But when they are given bracelets that endow them with powers, and then get thrown into a whole…
July 5, 2023
Where to Put Chapter Breaks

Where to Put Chapter Breaks

There's no shortage of advice for indie authors these days. If you're thinking of self-publishing a book, there are scores of professionals who stand ready to offer you tips on everything from cover design to pricing to social media advertising. This abundance of free expertise isn't just limited to marketing…
June 30, 20237 Comments
Based Big Book Sale 23

Big Based Book Sale

It's that time again. Author Hans G. Schantz returns with a vast selection of the finest newpub titles in this summer's Big Based Book Sale! These are some of the top offerings from previous book sales including science fiction grandmasters, established mainstream authors and emerging indie talent. Authors include Patrick…
June 22, 20231 Comment
Cirsova Summer 2013

Cirsova Summer 2013

Cirsova magazine's Summer 2013 issue is now available in print and eBook! Inside you'll find: Novel The Gold Exigency (Part 2 of 4) By MICHAEL TIERNEY Conrock and the others track the Black Star Reavers to the base of the mysterious Five-Thousand Fingered Hand in the hunt for the abducted…
June 15, 2023
Veil of the Void

Veil of the Void Yggdrasil

Vikings and mecha, you say? Look no further ... The Realm of Riachtan has long been at relative peace. There haven't been any major wars or galactic-wide threats to shake up the norm for quite some time. That is all about to change, however, as whispers of Ragnarök are on…
June 9, 2023
Secrets of Seven Point Plot Structure

Secrets of Seven Point Plot Structure

We all know fledgling writers who've spent months or even years engaged in meticulous world building. But when it comes time to tell a story in their lush secondary worlds, the plot spins its wheels. How can a writer have planned every detail of his fantasy world down to the…
June 6, 20234 Comments

How to Master Perspective and Tense

If you've taken up the challenge of writing fiction, two essential steps toward achieving your goal are understanding narrative point of view and narrative tense. Too many new authors either don’t understand these powerful authorial tools, or they don’t use them to maximum effect. So today, we'll explore point of…
May 30, 20234 Comments
Newpub Talk Z Strike

Return to Newpub Talk

A couple of high-profile boycott campaigns have captured Conservatives' attention lately. It's understandable that middle America would get jazzed about giving beer, sports, and retail megacorps what for, despite the effects being almost all symbolic. Since January of 2021, the realization has been growing among normal people that the system…
May 25, 20232 Comments