Halloween 2020 Reading List
Column by Sadie Hartmann
With October just a few weeks away, it's time to collect all those seasonal, Halloweenish books you want to enjoy!
Struggling to Journal, but Learning to Forgive Myself
Column by Karis Rogerson
One writer talks about her big plans at the start of lockdown to journal every day, and how much she's failed at that — but that's okay, because there's always tomorrow.
"It Came from the Multiplex: 80s Midnight Chillers" Edited by Joshua Viola
Review by Christopher Shultz
Reading 'Multiplex' is a bit like watching 'Creepshow': it’s gory, goofy, and painted in the broadest strokes imaginable.
Evaluating The Wit and Wisdom of H.L. Mencken
Column by Joshua Isard
Parsing the style and substance of the cultural critic, H.L. Mencken. Does it hold up to modern scrutiny?
Happy Birthday to Richard Smyth: the Most Underrated Indie Author
Column by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
An indie author birthday to truly celebrate!
Managing a Professional Author Online Presence
Column by Cina Pelayo
Different writers have different goals when it comes to their online presence. Author Cina Pelayo discusses hers.
The Art of the Gross Out Contest — from a Two Time Reigning Champ
Column by Jay Wilburn
Gross out contests have a long and storied tradition in horror. Jay Wilburn, the 2019 and 2020 winner of the KillerCon Gross Out Contest, shares his thoughts on doing "gross" well.
Reviewing Chuck Palahniuk's Reviewers
Column by Peter Derk
Book reviewers love to hate Chuck Palahniuk.
It's Hard to Be Scared of the Man with the Knife, Anymore
Column by Paul Michael Anderson
How do you make a slasher scary, and why do so many fail?
A Prose Writer Dips Her Toe in the Playwriting World
Column by Gwen Goodkin
...because playwriting is a collaboration, the end result isn’t solely the writer’s creation.
Storyville: Why Denouement is So Important to a Satisfying Story
Column by Richard Thomas
Advice on how to make your denouement really shine.
Four Reasons Hulu Executives Were Fools To Cancel “High Fidelity”
Column by Christopher Shultz
This transformative new adaptation of Nick Hornby's novel was sorely needed in 2020, so why the hell did Hulu give it the ax?
The Scarlet Plague: Exploring the Historical Influence of Pandemics on Literature
Column by Jay Wilburn
Comparing the literature that came out before & after 1918, we may better understand how our stories might change following the 2020 pandemic & how we might address our experiences during this time.
"The Circus of Stolen Dreams" by Lorelei Savaryn
Review by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Sometimes an escape becomes the trap.
"The Only Good Indians" by Stephen Graham Jones
Review by Christopher Shultz
SGJ's latest novel is a graphically violent supernatural slasher narrative bound together with poignant heart and drama.
Chandler Morrison: Being Better Than the Demons
Interview by Gabriel Hart
The transgressive author talks his latest novel, cancel culture, and the grimy heart of LA fiction.
The Ancient Universal Truths of Confucius on What is Likely His Birthday
Column by Jessica Marie Baumgartner
Universal truths are what every writer seeks, and Confucius specialized in them.
A Brief History of Vintage Writing Software
Column by Peter Derk
Is writing hard for you? Let's take a look back at not-so-ancient history and see how hard it USED to be.
Always Hustling: A Conversation with Thriller Writer Lee Matthew Goldberg
Interview by Ben Tanzer
The NYC author talks the film biz, hustle, and what makes for a great thriller.
Confessions of a Short Story Addict: More, More, More
Column by Sadie Hartmann
An anthology is a perfect package; introducing readers to their next favorite author one short story at a time.
The Best Star Trek Novels: A Personal List
Column by BH Shepherd
A few fondly remembered favorites from a well-read fan.
Celebrating a Centenary of Ray Bradbury
Column by Emmanuel Nataf
If you’re only familiar with Ray Bradbury from being assigned 'Fahrenheit 451' in English class, you're missing out. To celebrate a centenary of Bradbury, here's a look at the man behind the books.
Keyboarding Games: Your Writing Still Sucks, But It Sucks Faster
Column by Peter Derk
Can you type "yokel" fast enough to save your life?
Reframing My Writing: Doing it For Me, Not An Audience
Column by Karis Rogerson
Writer Karis Rogerson discusses losing sight of why you write, and trying to recapture that spark.
Review: Dominion: An Anthology of Speculative Fiction from Africa and the African Diaspora
Review by Christopher Shultz
In a landmark first, this collection features stories exclusively by authors from Africa and the African Diaspora.
