I’m entering the fifth month of my new obsession with science fiction and fantasy (SFF). Last month, I focused solely on sci-fi. The genre is somewhat new to me, and I wanted to build a foundation by reading the classics and penning some stories. April, however, has been all about fantasy. I read some great … Continue reading A Detour into Fantasy
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My First Steps as a Sci-Fi Writer
It was a gamble veering off into a new genre after writing horror all these years, but I am so glad I made that choice. Science fiction is fast becoming my new obsession, with so many ideas flooding in and so much to explore. I was worried in last month’s post that I would quickly … Continue reading My First Steps as a Sci-Fi Writer
The Next Chapter
With my novel finished, I’m ready for the next chapter of my writing journey. But what to do? I love this freedom, a thousand directions I could go in. After much thought, I’ve decided to get back into writing short stories before I start another long project, but not necessarily horror. Before I go any … Continue reading The Next Chapter
My Novel Graveyard
I have trouble finishing long writing projects, which is why it felt so great to complete the final edits of my latest novel last week. First drafts take me no more than a couple months to write. I’m in the zone, obsessed with the words I’m putting on the page. The problem comes later. I’ll … Continue reading My Novel Graveyard
Finishing a Novel
The last time I completed the final edits of a novel was back in 2018. The book was called Snap. It was my first long submission and received several polite rejections. A couple years later, I submitted a novella called The Preposterous Theater, which was deservedly rejected. Now my novel M: The Plastic Prometheus has … Continue reading Finishing a Novel
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
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)
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”
Zé Burns | Blog 