"We hope that, when insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics." -- Bill VaughnThat's not happening in the bugmageddon novel. Those insects have no gratitute. Here's an excerpt from the fi...

Things are somewhat turbulent in my neck of the woods with the primary election happening in a few days. I won't give the particulars, but depending on the outcome of a local contest my day job may be coming to an end. Big changes could be just aroun...

CORRECTED LINK NOTED BELOWI haven't got the winning flash fiction stories posted to my website yet, but it will happen soon. There may be one winner who hasn't approved posting yet.Let me pass on a tip from my presentation on forging unforgettable st...

I haven't got the winning flash fiction stories posted to my website yet, but it will happen soon. There may be one winner who hasn't approved posting yet.Let me pass on a tip from my presentation on forging unforgettable stories: Get to the trauma (...

The team has voted and the winner and runners up of the flash fiction contest are named farther down. First, take a look at this:I've got a story in this one, along with some other fine authors who are probably better known than am I. That cover call...

I know it's April Fool's day, but there's no foolin' in this letter. I believe it's also Debbie Reynolds' birthday. My grandfather and a granddaughter also have birthday's today.I saw a friendly face at the DMV. Actually, they were all friendly--it's...

Every week I'm adding to my presentation on Forging Unforgettable Stories with my three so-called secret elements of literary alchemy. Even if I don't present it, it's a worthwhile exercise in identifying important story elements and ways to think ab...

I'm looking for panel/presentation ideas for the Writers Cantina in June. I've been accepted as a panelist/presenter, but no one has come forward to say, "You do such a fantastic job at writing _____ in your books that we want you on a panel to discu...

I've got more books to share. Here's how to get your choice:Flash Fiction Contest: Submit a story of 500 words or less. The story must include a pool table OR a piece of farm machinery. Submit your story in the body of your email, or you may attach i...

I've got bugs in my system--6 chapters worth, a space cowboy short story in the works, and another story about the cavalry at Leipzig still in research mode. The bugs and cowboy stories are moving along at a satisfying pace.Is the collaborative story...