Category Archives: Writing

About the act of writing and associated techniques

A blog hangs in the balance

Posted on January 6, 2013 by

Hello? Hello? Anybody still out here? If so, you may have noticed that my blog has been experiencing a deathlike silence since late October. Indeed, there is a bluish tinge to its lips, and its eyes stare glassily at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged | 8 Comments

…and the story ends (Coffin Hop 2012)

Posted on November 2, 2012 by

Today I unveil the shared story begun on the first day of Coffin Hop 2012. I have to hand it to you people. You rock. The fun part of this exercise is seeing the different writing styles. I see hints … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog Hops, Coffin Hop 2012, Writing | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Melancholy Elephants and Copyright

Posted on June 18, 2012 by

Twenty-five years ago, I read a science fiction short story called Melancholy Elephants by Spider Robinson. And for twenty-five years, this story has popped into my head whenever I hear news of lawsuits for copyright infringement. Melancholy Elephants is a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

Horror – the Ultimate Definition (Yeah, right.)

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

Over the past week, the members of TESSpecFic* have posted their various opinions on the question: “What is horror.” And the opinions have been various, indeed! After six thoughtful, intelligent discussions, I’m still no closer to being able to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Genre Confusion: Just what the heck is “Horror,” anyway, and how is it different from Dark Fantasy?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

There is a ridiculous array of subgenre choices and mash-ups to choose from when trying to describe a work of fantasy fiction. Those of you who follow my blog know that I have done some heavy thinking about genres, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Urban Fantasy, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 32 Comments

A #luckyseven peek at my fiction

Posted on April 22, 2012 by

Here’s a new thing for me: Jonathan Allen, friend and fellow member of The Emissaries of Strange, recently tagged* me to participate in #luckyseven. Since this is a nice opportunity for readers to sample my novel and stories, I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Marie's Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

And that is why every writer should have a book launch party

Posted on March 4, 2012 by

Writers work mostly in solitude. When you pick away at a novel for years, those who initially supported your endeavor tend to lose interest. They may even forget you’re writing a novel or start believing you’ll never finish. You might … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Books, Life, Marie's Fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

Discoverability: One Writer’s Solution

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

As “The Local Bookstore” joins the list of endangered species and we enter the age of digital books, one of the biggest problems facing readers and writers is discoverability. How can readers find new books without being able to browse … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, humor, Urban Fantasy, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Fantasy on the Ice

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

My dad doesn’t read fantasy fiction. Ever. The only fiction books he reads are crime novels, like those by John D. MacDonald. In fact, he only reads John D. MacDonald books. And only the ones with Travis McGee in them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Marie's Fiction, Myth in fiction, Urban Fantasy, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Speaking of Norse gods and hobos… [Announcements!]

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

I have a few announcements today, starting with: My first ever flash fiction story, “Jokul Frosti and the Boy,” is appearing at Sommer Leigh’s wonderful blog for FREE! I’m pretty happy with this story and hope you take a moment to … Continue reading →

Posted in Marie's Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments