I hit a creative barrier 8 weeks ago. I could still generate ideas for stories, but my attempts at turning them into prose failed each time. I’ve heard authors debate whether “writer’s block” is a real thing or not. Whatever the case, I found myself staring at my screen with my fingers unwilling to type. … Continue reading Recharged and Inspired
reading
Short Story Fever
I did the whole writing thing backwards. I started out writing novels, all through my teens and into my late 20s. It wasn’t until 2018 that I became serious about short stories. My enthusiasm for the short form has only grown since. And lately, I’ve decided that I want to focus on it exclusively—at least … Continue reading Short Story Fever
Resolutions 2025 + Top 10 Books
I recently came to the embarrassing realization that I’ve achieved none of my resolutions this year. My failure mostly stemmed from the fact that my interests and goals changed over the course of twelve months. That said, I accomplished a lot, learned so much, and evolved as a writer. I found a new home in … Continue reading Resolutions 2025 + Top 10 Books
Writing with Passion
For me, a writing project needs passion to succeed. These last six months, I’ve been writing stories that, while they interested me intellectually, I wasn’t passionate about. And ultimately, they failed. There was no heart in them, and I didn’t particularly bond with the characters. My latest project, however, has reinvigorated me and reminded me … Continue reading Writing with Passion
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
5 Fiction Pet Peeves
I adore fiction—both reading and writing it—but over the years, I’ve developed some petty complaints that can take me out of a story. These are not criticisms of other authors. I imagine most of these only bug me. And I, myself, have committed many of these silly transgressions. Via Wikimedia Commons 1. Predictable Plans SPOILER … Continue reading 5 Fiction Pet Peeves
Building a Mythos
For years, I’ve wanted to tell stories that have different exteriors yet share a common thread. They could take place in the past, future, or present. Set on Earth or in a world far different than ours. They could span the spectrum of speculative fiction. Yet all these stories would be interconnected, taking place in … Continue reading Building a Mythos
A Detour into Fantasy
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
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
Zé Burns | Blog 