Writing Techniques

Literary String Theory Part 1: Multidimensional Characters

Do you fall in love with characters first, or the plot? Characterization has always been my favorite part of reading and writing. A great plot is dulled if I don’t care about the characters undergoing the plot’s hardships. But what makes a phenomenal character like Hermione Granger or Atticus Finch? What does a writer pour… Continue reading Literary String Theory Part 1: Multidimensional Characters

Writing Techniques

Literary String Theory Part 3: Empathy Trumps Entropy

Ensuring that your readers understand the actions and feelings of your characters is the only way to endear them to readers’ hearts for the long haul. Empathy for characters also keeps readers more invested in the plot. It’s pretty easy to have readers empathize with your protagonist(s), especially if you’re working in third person limited.… Continue reading Literary String Theory Part 3: Empathy Trumps Entropy

Book Analysis

My Top 10 Stephen King Novels

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash Looking to get your horror fix this October? In honor of Halloween, I’m breaking down my favorite works from the king of horror himself, Stephen King. There is no author who has influenced my writing style and reading tastes more, and ranking my favorites is no easy task. There’s something here for… Continue reading My Top 10 Stephen King Novels

Fantasy, Order of Perseus Series, Short Stories

The Scarlet Warriors (Part 1): A Short Story

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is the third installment in my Order of Perseus series. All three can stand on their own, but if you’d like, you can read Scarlett’s story here and Taiyō’s here. In “Scarlet Warriors,” the two characters come together.)  Cappuccino-sipping patrons looked up from froth-lined mugs and craned their necks to see through crowded bodies… Continue reading The Scarlet Warriors (Part 1): A Short Story

Horror, Short Stories

A Drain on the Neighborhood: A Short Story

My Dearest Friend, Phillipe, I hope this letter finds you in good health, you old egg. I myself have been under siege of late. But of course, that is what happens when you are forged from a different mold, as are you and I. The feeble-minded still inherit the earth, and they try to feast… Continue reading A Drain on the Neighborhood: A Short Story

Writing Techniques

Flavors of Fantasy: List of Fantasy Subgenres

Fantasy is about making the impossible possible, and even commonplace, in a world that doesn't live by our rules. It is the ultimate escapism genre. But fantasy is a large genre. If you're writing or planning to write a fantasy novel, and you plan to submit to publishers, they're going to want to know where… Continue reading Flavors of Fantasy: List of Fantasy Subgenres

Fantasy, Order of Perseus Series, Short Stories

Caged Lightning: A Short Story

Taiyō scooted in his rickety chair to let the hulking troll woman squeeze by on her way to the golden bar top. Her round, gray face and bulbous nose reflected in the long mirror behind the bar. Taiyō leaned his chair back on two legs, black boots crossed in front of him, and studied the… Continue reading Caged Lightning: A Short Story