professional science fiction and dark fantasy writer
One thing I do when I edit or reread my story before I submit it, is to use a search function to find and zap qualifiers in the manuscript. Qualifiers are a pain. They weaken sentence structure even though they are all but invisible. Okay, sometimes I admit you need a qualifier, and having one …
Continue reading "Seven Deadly Qualifiers that Weaken Fiction"
The more I study opera the more I learn about suspension of disbelief at least as far as writing goes, and the human propensity for engaging in it. Suspension of disbelief is a big thing in opera. It's a natural given you are to suspend a lot of disbelief so the opera can move on. …
Continue reading "Suspension of Disbelief: Not the Rubicon You Thought It Was"
Someone once asked me, “Why did you pick writing?” Without thinking I replied, “I’m not sure I picked writing as much as it picked me.” Later, I realized there was a lot of truth in that statement. More than I ever realized. You see, I don’t always like writing per se. I mean, I've been …
Continue reading "My Growth as a Writer (A Personal Perspective)"
Beautiful music about a beautiful genre. God, how I love the west and all its mythic power, along with its ability to define us as human beings, and help us find our true place in the universe. All good stories do this, but I think westerns have a special ability, and affinity, to tap into …
Continue reading "Ennio Morricone – Once Upon a Time in the West"
It's difficult bringing me into the modern age. I admit that. And those who are committed to bringing me up to speed with technology have their work cut out for them. The fools. I have a cell phone. I rarely turn it on (as people in my personal life can attest) because when I do it often …
Continue reading "Audiobooks, Futurism, and the Mythical Power of Storytelling"
Here are a few more pictures from my last camping trip. I have only been home a couple or three weeks and I am ready to go back out.
Balsamic chicken with rosemary- garlic rub.
I suppose if you push me I will admit I prefer silent films to any other format. I mean, if that's the choice you give me. There are a lot of reasons for this. Mostly, I think, because so many silent films were incredibly groundbreaking in so many areas including writing, direction, artistic quality, and …
Continue reading "Metropolis (1927) as SF Atavism and Cautionary Tale – A Review"
I've been thinking more about history and the role it plays in genre, and more specifically with the art of story telling. I tend to get in trouble when I start thinking, but here we go anyway. I am fascinated how our perception of history often outweighs verifiable facts and evidence. Especially when it comes …
I'm still trying to sort this out. I am wondering if certain genres rely more heavily on history and historical interpretations than others. I mean, I guess that's true to a degree for any genre, right? I've read lots of science fiction stories that either A.) took their ideas from history, or B.) were set …
Continue reading "The Importance of History to the Western Genre"
I am also on Facebook. If you have a page there, or you used to follow me on Live Journal, please don't forget to link me so we can stay in touch. This is used for writer networking and keeping in touch with friends more than anything. Thanks, guys.
I have mentioned this before but I am seriously thinking about writing a Haxan prequel novel. I think this more than anything else will be my next big writing project. This would take place before Marwood goes to Haxan, while he was up in Montana Territory as a U.S. marshal. We know some things about …
Continue reading "I am Seriously Considering Writing a Haxan Prequel Novel"
When I was thirteen I used to listen to a black and white transistor radio tucked under my pillow. One night I found a Chicago station and heard The CBS Radio Mystery Theater hosted by E.G. Marshall. Just like that I was hooked. I fell in love with radio dramas and wanted to hear more. …
The story of Rapunzel is one of my favorite Grimms' fairy tale. The original story and many of its variations are quite dark. In the original story the prince calls for Rapunzel to let down her hair and sees her on the sly. One day she lets slip that her dress is getting too tight …
Continue reading "Tangled – Animated Hair Fetish by Disney (movie review)"
When I was working on my hard SF story "At the Center of the World" about Russian ballerinas, high-energy physics, and the ameliorating power of love, I did a lot of research. One of the things I researched was ballerinas, and this was a topic I had wanted to write about ever since I took …
Continue reading "Method of Story and Process for “At the Center of the World”"
The Vanishing American is a silent film from 1925 that explores the tragic plight of Native Americans trapped by history and fate, and who ultimately become crushed into non-existence by the grinding wheels of racism and modernity. The source material is the novel by the same name written by Zane Grey. The film was good …
Continue reading "The Vanishing American (1925) movie review"
A while ago I set up an account with CafePress and now have Haxan gear for anyone who might want mugs, tote bags, throw pillows, clocks or shirts. All kinds of cool stuff! But with the recent sale of the novel to CZP I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the link …
Continue reading "Haxan Merchandise for Sale! (Blood, Dust, Wind….)"
Nom nom nom. Gumbo! With file powder and Tony Chachere's! Gumbo!
The first thing that hits you when you are in the wilderness is the invading silence. It's oppressive. It seeps into you and invades your core and fills it like spring water welling through a crack in the ground.The silence is everywhere. It lifts you up and carries you throughout the day and night. The …
Continue reading "Sunset and Moonrise in Caprock Canyon (Bridge of stars between)"
Hoover's Corner 