Postmodern Lit Is Cancer

Castalia House Lead Editor Vox Day has been making a strong case that postmodern literature isn't just bad writing, but non-writing, over at his blog. First, Vox relates a discussion he had with a CH author about a bad writing habit that's baffled him for years: What we were discussing…
July 26, 201712 Comments
The Mountain that Writes at Pulp Speed

The Mountain that Writes at Pulp Speed

In which Larry Correia indisputably proves himself not just to be The Mountain That Writes, but The Mountain That Writes at pulp speed: Original thread here. I'll save you the time of counting. Larry is outproducing George R. R. Martin thirteen books to one. The days of authors being picked…
July 13, 201710 Comments
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