It amazes some people to learn that you can make money writing short stories. I write horror, but I never write about monsters or slashers. I am not even sure why my short stories fit the 'horror' genre - except that at the end, the reader is left feeling unnerved and anxious.  read more »

 Tonight's workshop will focus on how to use words to make the story reader feel fear and anxiety. There are ways to use words that can incite emotions, and mistakes that can turn the most frightening situation into a benign 'let down.'  read more »

The last few weeks, the topic of profanity in Christian work has come up several times, so I'm going to address it here. Agree or not, I'm calling it based on my experience.

As a writer, you have to be credible. And you have to know your audience. For writer's who are Christian, it's a very difficult balancing act.  read more »

New book reviews have been posted to Pump Up Your Book Promotion's Galleria of Books.

You'll find reviews of:

* Trust in the Wind by Vicki M. Taylor
* The Ghost Mirror by Jamieson Wolf
* The Truth, My Secret Diary, I'm Ten, I'm Smart, And I Know Everything by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
* The Complete Idiot's Guide to Short Meditations by Dr. Susan Gregg  read more »

When I was younger I would read stories by Stephen King. The thrill of knowing I would be creeped out was always worth the read, no matter how short or long the story was. At some point, I drifted away from all that stuff. Being wigged out didn't tickle my fancy as much as it used to.

But...  read more »