Q: In what way are authors and musicians similar? A: They try to stay in the right time. As an author of fiction, I reach for the etymological dictionary more than a standard dictionary. Like with any author, I am weary of anachronisms and anachronisms abound. An anachronism in a text, for example, happens when … Continue reading Being in the Right Time: Authors & Etymology. Research & Publish.
In the genre of Fantasy, there is a concept known as hard magic. An author using a hard magic system creates clear principles and methods behind his or her use of the craft. Soft magic, on the other hand, is based on unclear principles as far as the reader is concerned. I like the concept … Continue reading [Hard Magic & Hard Metaphysics in Fiction] W/ Book Club Discussion Questions. Fantasy. Gothic Fiction. Horror. Paranormal. Supernatural.
What happens when someone bases his or her life on feelings of guilt and shame? What if suicide is not enough? In this particular situation, penance becomes a vehicle for enlightenment. This writing is great on several levels. It is a guilt play based on an insignificant occurrence bursting ad absurdum. There is a surreal … Continue reading The Dark Comedy of Steve Martin [Part 2] “Wrong Number”
Coffin Vs. Casket [Gothic Grammar #5] Did you know the words coffin & casket have different definitions? A coffin is made of wood and has a distinctive wide-shoulder appearance. The casket is rectangular, often opens to view the top half of the body, padded, and more expensive than the coffin. Let me know if you … Continue reading Coffin Vs. Casket [Gothic Grammar #5] ~ Gomics. Ideas for authors. #amwriting
Affect vs. Effect [Gothic Grammar #4] Improve writing ability ~ ESL tips Welcome to Goth Grammar #4! Here is a common problem: Affect vs. Effect. Simply put, Affect is a verb and effect is a noun. A good mnemonic to use: the words affect and action both begin with the letter a. Verbs are actions. … Continue reading Affect vs. Effect [Gothic Grammar #4] Improve writing ability ~ ESL tips
Exercise vs. Exorcise [Gothic Grammar #3] Writing skills. ESL Tips. I just made this one today. I hope you enjoy! Sven likes to exercise and raise his heart rate before he exorcises demons. Gothic Grammar #4-> Click here to sign up for my email list. Get exclusive updates on my latest projects.
Here is the second Goth Grammar comic strip. The first one explored Nauseous vs. Nauseated. Another common mistake is Lay vs. Lie. To lay is to place an object, other than yourself, into a resting position. To lie is intransitive and only refers to one's own body. Here is a good phrase to remember: "I'll … Continue reading Lay vs. Lie ~ [Gothic Grammar #2] Improve writing ability. ESL tips.
Here is a helpful reminder for writers. It's a common mistake to use the word nauseous when one is, in reality, nauseated. Noxious is sometimes used as a synonym for nauseous, in the chance that there is confusion. The mushroom was nauseous. After Sven ate it, he became nauseated and expelled the contents of his … Continue reading Nauseous vs. Nauseated [Goth Grammar #1] Improve Writing Skills. ESL Help.
I am working on a graphic novel. At first, I thought of it as an illustrated book, but then, as always, the writer bends to the power of genre. So, a graphic novel it is. The title is Guide to Ghosts: Why your Grandmother's Name is Stan. Many, if not most, graphic novels (comic books) … Continue reading Oscillating Wildly: Life as a Writer-Illustrator
SM Dotson 