About

To help fiction writers is why I'm here!

Help Against Scammers

I absolutely abhor vanity presses that falsely claim to be publishers, bottom-feeding agents who try to come between you and your money, and other charlatans who try to extract money from you.

I'm not the be-all and end-all of this stuff (and I've linked to pertinent posts on other sites), but I try to use what I've learned to try to enlighten as many people as possible. This way, whether you're just starting out or have a decent idea what's going on, you can sidestep the scammers.

Writing Tips, Advice, and Techniques

Writing Tips - I've included those I've picked up, and I've also commented on those found on other sites (with links, where appropriate).

Writing Advice - This is usually a reaction to something I've read; I try to be as fair as possible, because if I'm emotional on an issue, it clouds my thinking. And I will retract something I've stated if I find out I'm wrong (which doesn't happen very often, heh :-)).

Writing Techniques - These are on the heels of tips. I've started a series of Finish the Sentences, to try to get your brain going again if it's stuck. (It happens, even to me. ;-))

Publishing News

From time to time, I'll offer up news from publishing that I find A) interesting or B) related to fantasy in some way, shape, or form (sometimes both).

My Writing

I'll update my word counts and where my fantasy writing is headed.

Reviews

I write reviews on fantasy novels I've read. We're not talking quick skims or reading the blurbs on the backs of books. I read each and every novel I review to the end. Lately, I've hit a solid streak of good books, so books that are pure dreck are currently in short supply. ;-)

I'll also review books that I've found helpful in my writing endeavors. Again, these are books that I've also gone through and used. And I'll probably flog them, too.

Rest assured: I will not promote a book or other product that I haven't personally used. Period.

Why? Because I dislike sites where the site owner hasn't actually used the products being promoted. I can't be like that. So rest assured I've actually used or read that particular product I'm promoting.

Anything Else?

Vid Friday is a new addition.  Most will be interviews with writers, specifically those whose books I've read.  I'll also throw in some fun stuff from time to time - because I can! :-)

Also: links, links, and more links. Most are to blogs, including those for editing/editors, literary agents, watchdog groups, and fantasy writer blogs (although some of the last have regular websites). I've also included a blogroll to those blogs I like visiting on a regular basis (and think you should, too).

Enjoy the site!