There are certain patterns of plots that Western readers are familiar with. These are rhythms of thought that help us know what to expect and help us discover the meaning inside a story. I recently read (and loved) Lloyd Alexander’s The Iron Ring, a fantasy novel about a young king who embarks on a mysterious …
The first Doctor Who post was popular, so here we are for another Lessons Learned post! There’s been a lot of buzz about Dune, by Frank Herbert, recently. With the announcement of a new film adaptation of it this year, book and sci-fi circles are filled with people singing the novel’s praises and shouting its …
Cover reveal and preorder for Steward Stories!
I’ve been thinking a lot about several stories recently. Some stories I’ve encountered in the past month have deeply disappointed me. Others have delighted me. I wanted to reflect more on what authors can learn from both the good and the bad. My goal is not to bash any stories, nor is it to blindly …
Hi! I’m popping out of isolation to let you know that this week I’m going to be doing live readings of “The Lake of Living Water”! Who: Me, a special PFW host, and you!Where: Phoenix Fiction Writers’ YouTube channelWhen: April 14th and 17th at 1:00 pm PDTWhat: I’ll be reading the short story in two …
Happy April! No, it’s not a joke. Yes, it did arrive that quickly. There is a lot of difficulty and loss in the world right now, so I want to focus first on some things I’m thankful for: I’m thankful for the beautiful, vibrant flowers blooming all over my yard and neighborhood. I’m thankful for …
Good news: Only a few more months until this school year is over and this blog can return to some semblance of normalcy! I dove into my final class earlier this week, and I anticipate being able to just teach/write and no longer student with SO MUCH JOY. That’s dreadful grammar, but you hopefully understand …
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all (even my non-American friends) get to spend time with loved ones and eat yummy things this week. Thanksgiving week means it’s also time for the Phoenix Fiction Writers’ second annual sale! I am so thankful for all of you, and this year has been an incredible year of meeting …
The sky, gorged with the dust of infinite lights,for all history has hungas a canopy over every great and noble deed,a muse to the creators ofthe highest masterpieces. These glowing constellations of storied heroeshave guided men on adventuresand guided them back home. I lift my eyes to this stardust expanseand dream of the adventureI most …
This past weekend was the birthday of Strange Waters! In case you’re new to the party, or are just returning from a long journey through mines, forests, and mountains to destroy a small but dangerous family heirloom, Strange Waters is an anthology of 9 science fiction and fantasy short stories by the Phoenix Fiction Writers. All of these short …