Category: Writing and Reading
-
Under Water has won a 2025 NYC Big Book Award
The founders of the Independent Press Award were blown away by the abundance of quality books they were sent from all over the globe. Their work with that contest gave them confidence that on a level playing field, some independent and small press books excel beyond what the big New York publishing houses offer. That’s why…
-
A Lee Martinez Masters the Dark Humor of the Monster Novel (an Interview)
For the next interview in the Dark Humor Books Interview Series, I’m excited to talk to A Lee Martinez. In our chat, Martinez shares some insights into humor as integral to plot and we find out the best TV show about the worst humans on earth. A Lee Martinez is a powerhouse of witty plots,…
-
On Writing or Viewing Sex Scenes
Sex scenes are too often fillers in a less than fleshed-out script. They make me think, tsk, tsk, lazy writer! They’re technically a lot easier to think of and write than a strong storyline, than an emotion, than action.
-
Snow White: the Movie: the disaster for Disney (or why Rachel Zegler is dead wrong)
I’m not much of a movie-goer. Never was, as I prefer to read (and I also like to take a break, get something to drink or visit my favorite personal restroom). However, after all the discussion about Snow White, the revised version, I have an opinion and want to know the opinions of others who…
-
A Dark Comedy Interview Series Begins with … Rachel Callaghan
Rachel Callaghan isn’t one of those writers who’s driven by the laugh track. I suspect she’s one of those more literary types who just happens to be funny. Her books aren’t categorized as humor, even though I often found myself laughing out loud. She also isn’t setting out to write something dark, it’s just that…
-
It’s Here! The Dark Humor Books Interview Series Is Destined to Delight
I was talking with Rachel one day about serious funny books. I don’t mean seriously funny, I mean humorous but also not afraid to go there. Books that touch on the painful realities of life tend to be dramas, while books that are funny tend to steer clear of topics like miscarraige, suicide, body dysmorphia,…
-
The Benefits of Being a Beta Reader
Have you ever considered being a beta reader? Why or why not? Let me tempt you…
-
Beta Readers are Critical to Author Success
Writers often ask about the need for beta readers and how to get them. Here’s my take…
-
What Little Gripes have you Found while Reading a Great Book?
Though I’m loving the new novel by Elizabeth Stout, this one little glitch keeps grabbing my attention while reading… Do you have any gripes with a great book?
-
My Readers Are Smarter Than I Am
You’d think that, when I sat at down with an open laptop, I knew what I was writing about, wouldn’t you? Nope, not true. It took a long time—and many comments by readers—for me to understand the point of my own writing. I don’t mean the characters—those came to life in the file with little…