Authors of speculative fiction often joke of “Worldbuilder’s Disease.” One spends so much time working on their setting that they neglect the project they’re creating it for. About six months ago, I experienced a similar affliction but with plotting. I try to accomplish three things before I start writing a first draft. I begin with … Continue reading Outliner’s Disease
outlining
1st Draft Finished
Earlier this week, I typed the two most satisfying words: THE END. Considering that this is the first long project I’ve drafted in three years, the satisfaction was double. It’s called Beyond the Dark Shore, a cosmic horror novella. And I almost didn’t finish it. The idea came to me in 2020. Its first iteration … Continue reading 1st Draft Finished
Science Fiction Fever
I’ve learned more about writing in the last six months than I have in twenty years as a writer. I accomplished this with the help of two invaluable books and a plethora of informative YouTube videos. Unfortunately, this new knowledge has made me want to rewrite everything I’ve ever written. September marks the seventh month … Continue reading Science Fiction Fever
A Spontaneous Novella
Many of my best stories started out as accidents. I would be messing around with words and ideas for no real purpose when out of nowhere a complete story would blossom in my mind—plot, characters, and all. In the case of M: The Plastic Prometheus, it turned out to be an entire novel. Earlier this … Continue reading A Spontaneous Novella
Training for a Novel (Writing Update)
Recently, I've been putting in 5 to 7 hours of reading and writing a day. I’m in training. Like any athlete, I need to condition, to push myself, to master the skills of the game. This may seem excessive, but Stephen King recommends at least 4 to 6 hours daily and Dean Koontz is known … Continue reading Training for a Novel (Writing Update)
Zé Burns | Blog 