I started 2020 focused on writing growth, but I struggled to put my dread and horror into words. I'm sharing five things that made my writing, and my writing life, grow.
Tag
writing horror
1 I spent the past weekend at Borderlands Press Writers Boot Camp. My cohort of writer grunts faced brutally honest horror and science fiction writers and an editor, and they pushed us to self-edit and craft our best stories. Writers (especially speculative fiction writers) who want to take their craft to the next level will be transformed by Borderlands Press Writers Boot Camp. It took two years for me to believe my writing was ready after JG Faherty recommended it to me. Application to Borderlands Boot Camp included a writing sample, after all. Once accepted, I[...]
Ah, writing. The act itself can be one wrought with fear and suspense. As much as perfection and the validation that comes with knowing it all would be comforting, no one will ever be done improving. I wouldn't have it any other way, even on the days where I'm staring at a blank cursor wondering if I even know what words are anymore. There is so much to love in that struggle. I love the challenge of pushing myself to think about story in a new way. I love staring off into space, wondering how to tell the story. I love the challenge of knowing it will never be exac[...]
“What’s the matter, Mr. Pratt? Bugs got your tongue?” And with that, the horror of Creepshow overtakes us. We’re already on edge watching the cockroaches skitter through Mr. Pratt’s immaculate home. They pop out and dart into the light. It's unnerving. Moments before Mr. Pratt is overcome with cockroaches, before they pour from his mouth and burst out of his split skin, we are already imagining it. Bugs. On his tongue. In his mouth. Imagine them crawling around in there, their spiky little legs scraping against your teeth. If you are shuddering b[...]
Hello Kittens, Boy, have I had a week. I'd tell you all about it, but I really don't want to turn this into a big pity party. I've done enough sulking. So instead of whining about my life, I thought we could chat about real life horror...in publishing! Now, I know that a lot of you out there are just like me; Agentless (as of a week ago #frown) and wading through the cold, dank query trenches. Querying is terrifying. Sending your words out into the world to be judged at face value is enough to give me the chills in the middle of August. But you know wh[...]
Currently for NaNoWriMo, Brian and I are writing our new series, ORCHARD POINTE #1. Without giving too much away (though Brian did give away a few more hints today...that's right Brian. I see you.), it’s a young adult novel series that was inspired by some of our favorite creepy movies and novels and television shows and our HUGE imaginations. Currently we are sitting over 30,000 words, and if I’m being honest, it’s mainly due to the unwavering dedication of my incredible writing partner Brian LeTendre. I am so proud of our book. I really can't explain it o[...]
Last week's question was: How do you write and why do you think it works for you? I am a total pantster and write very similarly to our very own Kathy Palm (see below). I write all my ideas and thoughts down, then try to connect the dots. This works for me, but I do see the value in having a complete outline. I know the top writers do this...but I just can't. I've tried to outline, but I get frustrated with the confines of what I've sketched out. I do brainstorm and "outline" in my head, if that counts. I mean, I do think about where the story is going and who[...]
Okay, this title may be a tad misleading. There is no way I will tell you HOW to write, let alone how to write horror. However, there are some things to keep in mind when writing horror in the NA category. Keep in Mind the Age of Your Characters NA characters are to be college age--meaning 18-25ish. This doesn't mean they have to be in college, but at the very least they should be out on their own for the first time. The main character in my story actually turns 18 and begins her journey into full time employment. Your Characters Should be Having New Experiences M[...]
