The making of a horror novelist.
Butt in chair, fingers on keyboard: word counts, first drafts, second drafts, and the occasional serendipitous sentence.
Last year and in the first couple of weeks of 2021 I received encouraging editorial feedback on short fiction (short stories and one novelette). But zero feedback on my haunted house novel. Perhaps, thinks me, I need a bridge between short fiction and novels, something to push my storytelling skills to longer lengths. Hm, whatever … Continue reading Reaching for the Stars, My First Half of 2021 Writing Goals
It’s a new anthology, The Vampire Connoisseur, and I'M IN IT! OMGosh, I’m a published author! (Squeal!) I’ve read all 16 vampire stories. They’re all good, fun, enjoyable, and not your typical vampire tales. Yes, I have some faves: “The Red Angel” by Lisa Hario because it’s kinda sweet, but it’s still a horror story.“Poem … Continue reading New Anthology: The Vampire Connoisseur
Here’s a snippet from my 2020 NaNoWriMo project. In this (rough draft!) scene, a mom is watching her teenage daughter sleep. Mom gets the creepy mom of the year award for sure. Your bedroom door is open a crack the way you like it. You’ve strung last year’s Christmas lights across your headboard, and I … Continue reading 2020 Nano Snippet
This year I am writing short stories for National Novel Writing Month. Short stories, not a novel. I wanted to sate the thirsty rebel dwelling under my skin. And not just some half-arsed stories, but four stories that are written, edited, and submitted. I’m on schedule with two stories down and two to go. What … Continue reading 2020 NaNoWriMo Update
I wrote a Halloween haiku every day for a week in anticipation of the haunty holiday. 7 autumn dewy websilken silver labyrinthtiny fangs tarry 6 fall weather welcomesdelicate chills like icyfingers on your neck 5 October howlingwinds strum bare willow brancheswerewolves howling too 4 ruby hourglassnestles moonlit poisonous pearlsa hundred eggs stir 3 dead, curled … Continue reading A Week of Halloween Haikus
This is a true story. Recently my sweet husband (SH) and I woke up as usual and had this conversation. SH: Good morning, dear wifey. Me: Morning, handsome. SH: I had an awesome dream last night. Me: Me, too! You first. SH: We were at the bakery, and you were buying up everything you could … Continue reading Normal Dreams vs. A Horror Writer’s Nightmares
