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
short stories
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
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”
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)
Announcement: New Acceptance!
My story “The Last Earth Day” was accepted last week! It’s part of the Happy Hellidays anthology put out by Hellbound Books. This will be my fourth story to be published. The anthology called for holiday-themed horror. While it was tempting to write about a big holiday, or conversely, a very obscure one, I chose … Continue reading Announcement: New Acceptance!
Writing What I Want to Write (Update)
I recently saw a quote from author Autumn Christian: At the end of the day, writing should be fun. It's a silly little dance with God and the abyss. If it doesn't feel fun, you might need to reevaluate why you're doing it. This month I can say I’ve had oodles of fun working on … Continue reading Writing What I Want to Write (Update)
The Year of Short Stories (Writing Update)
When it comes to writing, I much prefer harsh criticism to compliments. As good as it makes me feel, praise of my work doesn’t help me that much. I need something to light a fire under me, make me put in the hours and effort to correct the problems. Submission rejections do this more than … Continue reading The Year of Short Stories (Writing Update)
Announcement: New Story Accepted!
This week I received an email from Eerie River Publishing, informing me that my story “The Installation” was accepted for their anthology It Calls From Below! This will be my third published story and the second to appear in print. The anthology features horror stories set beneath the earth. Something about that theme sparked an … Continue reading Announcement: New Story Accepted!
Zé Burns | Blog 