Tag: fiction

On Writing Advice: I Have None

It occurred to me that my three most recent Ed’s Casual Friday posts were all basically “writing advice” things; one about “cinematic” elements, one about naming characters, and one about exposition. Looking back over all three, it struck me that I felt the need to start each with a proviso about my lack of fondness for “how-to” writing advice. The disclaimers went something like this:

Let me first fully acknowledge that I subscribe to the Different Strokes school of literary advice, inasmuch as “What might be right for you, may not be right for some.”
– Book v. Movie, Steel-Cage Death Match, 8/24/12 Continue reading “On Writing Advice: I Have None”

Featured Author: Paul Schofield

Long, long ago and far, far away in a galaxy named Montana, young Paul was born. It was cold. Doctor Ole spanked him and said: “Dis vun is a keeper, yah. Ve vill teach him to eat lutefisk.” Paul cried. He grew up surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty and communed with all manner of flora and fauna. It was still cold.

Eons of time later he loaded the family star-cruiser and voyaged to the remote galaxy of Florida. Paul was no longer cold but a strange new sensation was disturbing his senses, actually causing water to flow from his skin. It was uncomfortable. Alien species of flora and fauna overwhelmed him, including six-legged, fast-running, giant cockroaches that could fly. Paul was afraid and began to write stories to control his emotions. It helped a little bit.

More eons passed and Paul engaged the rusting star-cruiser once more, warping to the dwarf galaxy of North Carolina. The mountains were cool – not cold. Water still flowed from his skin but now in small, immeasurable amounts. Paul was just right – he wasn’t afraid anymore. Some friendly cats offered him a place to live if he would take care of them and pay all their expenses. They even said he could write books but only if he included them as main characters. Paul was overjoyed. He and his family now had a home and he didn’t have to eat lutefisk. Learn more about Paul by visiting his website. Continue reading “Featured Author: Paul Schofield”

Book Brief: Gerald and the Wee People

Gerald and the Wee People
by Greta Burroughs
Genre: MG/YA fantasy
60,946 words (approx)

Gerald and his best friend, Vernon discover a mysterious spot in the woods where Gerald visualizes a miniature village complete with wee inhabitants. He enjoys going back to that spot and watching the day to day activities until trouble starts in the village and he tries to convince Vernon that the “visions” are real and the wee people need help.

While trying to prove that the whole thing is just Gerald’s wild imagination, the boys literally fall into the new world and get caught up in a war. The boys come up with ways to keep the invading force from entering the village but another solution has to be found in order to put an end to the conflict.

Along with a few companions from the village, Gerald and Vernon embark on a quest to face down the deranged forest god who instigated the mayhem. The dangerous path is laid out by an ancient prophecy, but not everything goes as planned.

This title is available from Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble. Continue reading “Book Brief: Gerald and the Wee People”

What’s in a name, Jar Jar?

This post is more a rumination than anything approaching “advice.” Because really, if anybody knew anything about any aspect of writing that was true in all times and places, I feel like I would have seen it in my facebook newsfeed by now. Different strokes for different folks, we’re all perfect snowflakes, yadda-yadda-yadda. But here are some things I think I know about giving names to those little imps running around our narratives, couched in Star Wars terms in a blatant attempt to hold people’s interest. Continue reading “What’s in a name, Jar Jar?”