Need to overthrow a kingdom in a story or game setting? Here are five ways to do so, in a 5-part series. Part 1 talks pros and cons of armed conflict and 3 things to keep in mind if you go that route. [Continue]

If you're writing and publishing ebook fiction, here are some quirks to avoid if you want to succeed. [Continue]

I ran into a snarl with Splintegrate regarding the timing of some events. In sorting this out it became clear that I needed to work out more details about the cloning process used in the Sa’adani Empire, which is referenced in the novel. I [Continue]

At long last I’ve started formally documenting The Writer’s Cookbook.  This is something I started doing because I found that when I write intensely my brain melts down now and then. So to rejuvenate myself, I cook. I found that losing [Continue]

Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert gave a TED talk about how a writer relates to creativity and genius. My experience is parallel. During this writing retreat I'm on, my sense of identity has shifted from writer to author as I've forged a new [Continue]

Am redesigning my web site, so this question came up: I want to know what features YOU the reader would like to see in an author's site. What would make it more interesting/entertaining/informative for you? Please weigh in with your opinions! [Continue]

Fairy tales are powerful, and symbols from them need to be used with care in a story. Here are 5 tips for using folklore symbols and allusions in a way that doesn't derail a tale. [Continue]

Alternate history: love reading it (here are book suggestions), and love writing it. History plus alternate timelines plus a measure of fantasy if needed or desired: what's not to love? This is Part I of a series looking at why a writer might [Continue]

I wrote for an anthology recently, and have other anthology projects simmering on the back burner.  The following question has arisen for me. When reading (or writing!) for an anthology, which do you prefer? A) Each story brings its own unique [Continue]

The Chinese family central to Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" was in part written by pretending the family was Jewish, and "letting it rip." What does this say about cultural identity? [Continue]