I Got a Job!

I'm wondering how my decision to work a full-time job instead of writing full-time as I have been doing is going to affect my fiction. Of course, a lot of the writers who hit it big like King a had full-time job before they struck it rich, so I suppose it's possible to iron out some time for the writing, but it won't be as much. Will it hurt me? It didn't hurt them. As long as I find some time to write everyday, even if it's for an hour or two, even in it's for fifteen minutes, at least it's something. I imagine it'll just take longer to achieve my goals. Of course the office politics will come into play. I hope I don't have to sue a female boss for sexual harassment, but I will (if she's not hot). I'll have to know when to be tough and when to shut up. I can't let them push me around, but I also can't push too hard--there's a fine line. Boss's don't mind a little bit of backbone.

And I've got to eat!

So we'll see how it goes. Welcome me to the workforce.

Plotting and characterization

The most important aspects of a great horror novel are plotting and characterization. Does every writer have to plot their novels? Well, not if you're way smart and really know what you're doing. I learned to though, because my first novel went all over the place with weird scenes just placed in there to shock. I learned to outline so I have a sane assemblance of order as far as the events. Every scene has to relate to the plot or there'll be parts of your novel people don't care about.

The most important aspect, however, is characterization. You have to be able to get the readers to sympathize with and fall in love with the characters, especially the protagonist, so that when scary things happen to them, you're shocked and afraid--right where the author wants you.

Ray Garton's really good at this, getting us to love his characters so much old formulas become fun to read. So is Gary A. Braunbeck, making the ghost story brand-new. I can only hope to ascribe to this level of greatness.

My Interview on The Nadia Sahari Show went great!

I was very pleased with how my interview went on The Nadia Sahari Show. I tried my best to sound confidant and not be chicken-shit nervous. Nadia's a great lady, a true survivor of abuse, who just does a fabulous job getting the word out about nobodys like me so we can have some exposure. Make sure you check out her book. She's a survivor of sexual abuse and rose above impossible circumstances. Thanks!

I'm Being Interviewed on Blog Radio Tomorrow!

Come join me on the Nadia Sahari Show on blog radio at 7 p.m. Central Time. You can call in and ask questions or just listen. This will be my third interview, the first in SNM Horror and the second in the Peoria, Illinois Journal Star newspaper. It'll be a blast to talk all things horror! Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thenadiasaharishow