Elementary Storytelling

Elementary Storytelling

Over on the Castalia House blog, Appendix N author Jeffro Johnson lays out a few vital criteria for masterful writing: The truth is that effective writing is striking. It stands out. It’s so obvious that children can identify it with confidence. In fact, the classics I list above are ones that…
June 14, 20172 Comments
Writing Fiction vs. Selling Fiction

Writing Fiction vs. Selling Fiction

In his comment on my previous marketing post, reader Misha Burnett draws an important delineation between writing fiction and selling fiction: And this is exactly why I gave up trying to write for money. It's a sales job, and I don't like sales. Having a fairly decent product line helps,…
June 7, 20175 Comments
On the Books: Characterization

On the Books: Characterization

Which qualities define a strong character? How can writers make their characters well-rounded? Join me and author Justin Knight as we discuss characterization on the latest episode of Geek Gab: On the Books. Ethics disclosure: Justin has hired me to edit his upcoming novel. @BrianNiemeier
May 31, 2017
How to Write Action

How to Write Action

How much action is enough? Is character important to fun, engaging action? Is Dan Brown any good at writing action scenes? Find out on the latest episode of On the Books with Declan Finn, author of the Love at First Bite series. Action flows quickly and keeps the reader on…
May 24, 20175 Comments
How to Write Nonhuman Characters

How to Write Nonhuman Characters

How should writers approach designing nonhuman species? What is the best way to write nonhuman characters so that they will be three-dimensional individuals while still being alien? Yakov Merkin, author of the new epic sci-fi novel A Greater Duty joined me on Geek Gab: On the Books to share his thoughts…
May 17, 2017
Writing to Reflect

Writing to Reflect

In the comments to my post about the decline of American comics, JD Cowan weighs in on the two-headed snake of message fic and postmodernism that is poisoning pop culture. Postmodernism is a labyrinth of fun-house mirrors. No matter where you look, you see yourself distorted and in the center…
May 12, 20172 Comments
On the Books

On the Books

It's my sincere pleasure to announce the launch of Geek Gab's second spinoff series: On the Books. Geek Gab listeners have been asking us to do episodes that are more focused on particular areas of interest. Instead of narrowing the scope of our flagship podcast, we've decided to do gaiden…
May 5, 2017
Pulp Speed

Pulp Speed

Greetings, writers, critics, and fans of the Pulp Revolution! Today I bring you a two-in-one history and writing lesson from one of the smartest and most prolific indie authors working today: Mr. Dean Wesley Smith. Lest you're tempted to think that's just flattery, Mr. Smith displays knowledge of the real…
April 21, 201718 Comments
Catholic Geeks with Nick Cole

Catholic Geeks with Nick Cole

Somehow I missed this phenomenal episode of The Catholic Geeks with Dragon Award winner Nick Cole from last month. I'm glad I finally listened to it, because this episode is the equivalent of a master storyteller who's been everywhere and done everything in the industry taking you aside to dispense…
April 6, 20172 Comments

Mary Sues Linked to Suicide

Ubiquitous and unfailingly dull Strong Female Characters™ aren't just deadly to the waves of expendable male villains they routinely slaughter in today's Narrative-driven books, movies, and video games. Author Dawn Witzke speculates that SFCs may pose a threat to their readers' life expectancy. Whether we realize it or not, fictional…
March 29, 201715 Comments