Category Archives: Short Story Blog

Blogging about short stories and more

AI as a Research Tool for Authors

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, into the creative writing process has opened up exciting possibilities for authors, particularly when it comes to researching facts to support fiction stories. While AI-generated fiction has its merits, utilizing … Continue reading

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Why People are Better Than AI (it’s too woke to work)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has seen significant advancements in recent years, demonstrating remarkable capabilities across various fields. In the realm of creative content generation, AI tools have shown potential, but they are bound by hard limitations designed to prevent the creation … Continue reading

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Story plotting techniques

Plotting a story is an essential aspect of storytelling, serving as the backbone that guides the narrative’s structure and progression. Effective plotting keeps readers engaged, captivated, and eager to uncover the story’s twists and turns. Whether you’re a seasoned writer … Continue reading

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Reducing the Word Count of a Short Fiction Story

Word count is a crucial consideration for writers, especially when it comes to short fiction stories. The challenge lies in conveying a complete narrative, developing well-rounded characters, and creating a compelling plot within a limited word count. However, sometimes a … Continue reading

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Some strategies for coping with “writers’ isolation”

Coping with the solitary nature of being a writer can be challenging, but there are strategies to help navigate the isolation and maintain a healthy mindset throughout the writing journey. Here are some ways to cope: 1. Establish a routine: … Continue reading

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Passive and active voices in fiction – one point of veiw

In speculative fiction, the choice between active and passive voices can significantly impact the tone, pacing, and overall effectiveness of the narrative. Both active and passive voices have their merits, and understanding when to utilize each can enhance the storytelling … Continue reading

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Writing like Richard Laymon (Jan 14, 1947 – Feb 14, 2001)

Richard Laymon was a master of horror fiction, known for his intense and unflinching storytelling style. His writing captivated readers with its visceral descriptions, relentless pacing, and deeply disturbing themes. To write like Richard Laymon is to embrace the darkness … Continue reading

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Things to consider when writing a murder mystery

Mystery novels have long captivated readers with their thrilling narratives and enigmatic puzzles. Among the most popular subgenres of mystery is the whodunit, which challenges readers to uncover the identity of the perpetrator behind a crime. Crafting a compelling whodunit … Continue reading

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Tips on writing “stand out” character dialogue.

Character dialogues are an essential component of storytelling, allowing readers to delve into the minds and emotions of the characters. Well-written and captivating dialogues have the power to bring characters to life, creating a lasting impact on readers. In this … Continue reading

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Using adjectives in your prose – a perspective

Stephen King, a prolific and highly regarded author known for his works in the horror and suspense genres, has expressed a particular attitude towards the use of adjectives in writing. King, in his book “On Writing: A Memoir of the … Continue reading

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