Novels demand more than ideas—they require structure, persistence, and the discipline to see a story through. These posts explore the full landscape of long-form storytelling: writing, publishing, marketing, and the realities of bringing a novel to readers, whether examining others’ work or my own.
A perfect cold case originates from restraint, anonymity, and absence of emotional connection. It lacks a narrative, leading to forgetfulness over time. As public interest wanes, resources shift, leaving these cases unresolved, not due to justice, but because curiosity diminishes. The silence of a cold case offers safety and distance.
The Perfect Cold Case is Best Read More »
The idea of writing an entire book in “texteese” is explored as a reflection of modern communication. It suggests that this informal language can connect with readers authentically if balanced well with engaging plots. While risky, it could succeed in genres like romcoms or teen dramas, highlighting language’s evolution in literature.
Can Textese Language Make a Contemporary Book Popular? Read More »
Writers understand that first drafts are often misleading. True brilliance emerges during revisions, which can vary widely among authors. Some may complete their work after a few edits, while others might revise extensively. The key lies in knowing when to stop improving the manuscript and share it with readers, despite ongoing self-doubt.
How Many Times Should a Novel Manuscript Be Rewritten? Read More »
In 1998, searching for his name online, Michael Forman found himself as the sole result, feeling a unique sense of digital identity. However, today many individuals share that name, each creating distinct online presences. Regularly checking his name allows him to ensure the accuracy of his professional and personal information in this evolving digital landscape.
Identity: Searching For Oneself Online Read More »
The author shares their summer nights spent on the porch, captivated by storms that inspire a visceral connection to life. Their experiences with thunderstorms deeply influence the protagonist of their book, SEETHINGS, intertwining themes of nature and sexuality, culminating in a narrative involving a lover and a serial killer.
The Thrill of Storms: Nature’s Drama Unleashed Read More »
Vanilla eroticism offers predictable, happy endings, appealing to some readers. In contrast, neo-noir erotica presents edgier, unsettling narratives driven by primal lust. In SEETHINGS, the story starts conventionally but evolves into a darker tale, integrating a menacing third character that disrupts the intimacy, challenging traditional erotic expectations.
Fiction typically promotes character redemption and emotional growth, yet some writers choose to portray flawed characters without resolution, provoking discomfort. This resistance is especially pronounced with female characters, who are often expected to be likable. The narrative should reflect reality, acknowledging that not all characters need to be redeemable or appealing.
The Risk of Writing Ugly People Into Stories Read More »
Writing fiction poses unique challenges compared to visual media. Michael Forman, in SEETHINGS, faced the task of portraying five complex facial transformations that were psychologically and symbolically significant. He crafted detailed traits for each transition, emphasizing emotional resonance and pacing to engage the reader’s imagination, ensuring the narrative’s transitions felt coherent and impactful.
Crafting Character Transformations in Fiction Read More »
The content explores the dark parallel between consumers of crime news and serial killers, focusing on the disregard for victims’ stories. The narrator, reflecting on their own experiences, describes collecting SIM cards from victims as trophies, juxtaposing this macabre act with their mundane married life, highlighting inner turmoil and desire for recognition.
Why Do Some Killers Keep Trophys? Read More »
This explores the complex dynamics of murder victims and their killers, suggesting that even forgotten connections can lead to violence. While traditional assumptions point to close relationships, the author highlights the significance of long-buried interactions. Ultimately, the piece asserts that every victim is linked to their killer, just in unexpected ways.
A Vaguely Familiar Stranger Did That Crime Read More »