I’ve been immersing myself in good horror as I finish the final edits of my novel. Two of the books below are Bram Stoker Award recipients. I also focused on reading gothic literature so I could get a better understanding of its pacing and atmosphere. December is my month for reading longer books. Around then, … Continue reading What I Read – December 2023
horror
Resolutions 2024 + Top 10 Books
This was a productive year. While I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to do, I progressed as a writer, reader, and person. I read some great books, worked on projects that I’m proud of, and even added a little bit to my bibliography. I attended two conventions that inspired the heck out of me, … Continue reading Resolutions 2024 + Top 10 Books
My Novel’s Homestretch
This month has been an editing marathon. My goal was to finish the edits for my gothic horror novel by the end of December. I’ve halted all my other projects to do so. However, despite my efforts, it might seep into the beginning of January. Via Wikimedia Commons What Needs to Be Done My editor … Continue reading My Novel’s Homestretch
What I Read – November 2023
I didn’t realize how much I missed bizarro fiction until I started reading it again. I could easily glut myself on nothing but. However, “read widely” is an important adage for all writers. I hope to divide my reading somewhat equally between these three categories: Bizarro fiction Other genre fiction Literary fiction Still, I’m happy … Continue reading What I Read – November 2023
The Well of Creativity (Writing Update)
There is nothing that inspires me more than being in the presence of other authors, especially those likeminded. I received that very opportunity this month at BizarroCon. I got to hear about their projects, run ideas by them, and dip my fingers in this well of creativity. I emerged more motivated than I’ve been in … Continue reading The Well of Creativity (Writing Update)
What I Read – October 2023
I started more books than I finished this month. As I mentioned in my last writing update, I found myself in a rut with horror. While many people read the genre during October, I find myself losing interest. That said, the last three books I read were extreme horror, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. … Continue reading What I Read – October 2023
Exploring New Genres (Writing Update)
I have long been a mono-tasker. In the past, I’ve stopped writing for months if I’m editing a long project only to return to the craft unpracticed. Like weightlifting, I need to keep at it, or my gains will go away. This month I managed to balance multiple projects at the same time and was … Continue reading Exploring New Genres (Writing Update)
Story Notes – “The Installation”
I love to learn how stories came to be. One of my favorite parts of any collection is the story notes at the end of the book. A while back, my brother asked me where I got the idea for my story “The Installation”. I thought I’d share that with you as well as what … Continue reading Story Notes – “The Installation”
What I Read – September 2023
I’m on a quest to make a dent in the ever-growing horror section on my bookshelves, hoping to read them faster than I accumulate them. In a couple months, I hope to broaden what I read. Until then it’s horror, horror, horror. I’m not complaining. This was a month of great books. You may notice … Continue reading What I Read – September 2023
Good Legs (Writing Update)
This month I’ve felt surprisingly productive. My brain is clearer, thanks to a change in medication, and I feel I have more stamina. I hope this lasts. It feels good to be firing on more cylinders. The Autobiography of M Mannequins (via Wikimedia Commons) I sent off the manuscript of my horror novel The Autobiography … Continue reading Good Legs (Writing Update)
Zé Burns | Blog 