Joma West: Writing Through the Dark
Interview by Jena Brown
The author of debut novel "Face" discusses creating a layered narrative, finding her flow, and writing through the dark.
How Do You Choose the Best Conventions and Writers Retreats?
Column by Jay Wilburn
If you are spending the money to attend a convention or writers retreat, you want it to be worth it. Here is a guide from people who have attended the best and worst of them.
10 Great First Lines Analyzed
Column by Kleopatra Olympiou
A first line is a moment of orientation: the reader opening their eyes into the story.
Writing Advice for Non-Writers
Column by Peter Derk
So you have to write something. Maybe it's the first thing you've written since high school. Don't worry, it's not that hard. We'll get through it together.
Requiem For Elizabeth V. Aldrich (October 9th, 1992–July 10th, 2022)
Column by Gabriel Hart
Obituary/memorial for author Elizabeth V. Aldrich.
"Writing in the Dark: The Workbook" by Tim Waggoner
Review by Cina Pelayo
Tim Waggoner follows up his 2020 Bram Stoker Award winning "Writing in the Dark" with this thought-provoking workbook.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: 10 Dark Nautical Novels
Column by Leah Dearborn
Some darker materials for your beach reading pleasure.
Is My MFA Worth It? For the Sense of Belonging, It Is
Column by Karis Rogerson
Karis Rogerson reflects on her first semester in an MFA program at VCFA, and whether or not it's worth it.
Why I Put a Book On A Gameboy Cartridge
Column by Peter Derk
I'll give you the "how" as well, but let's start with why anyone would do such a thing.
Why Writers Should Read Across the Genres
Column by Sara Tantlinger
Reading outside of one's favorite genre is vastly beneficial to a writer. Each genre brings unique elements that can help you strengthen your craft.
The Birthing of "Dream Pop Origami"
Column by Jackson Bliss
Jackson Bliss avoids the typical memoir narrative by giving control to the reader.
"The Autodidacts": Thomas Kendall On Writing Without An Outline
Column by Thomas Kendall
Fortunately, your source is infinitely replenishable: On writing without an outline, out of an image you don’t understand, towards a beauty you’re not sure exists.
Storyville: Writing Psychological Horror
Column by Richard Thomas
How to create an emotional bond and stimulate the brain of your readers with psychological horror.
Garth Miro: Burning Down The Idol of Vacations
Interview by Gabriel Hart
Gabriel Hart interviews NYC author Garth Miro, author of 'The Vacation' (Expat Press).
My Plan To Shape Up A 700-Page Manuscript In Less Than a Year
Column by Peter Derk
If you've got a huge manuscript weighing you down, let's break it down, edit it, and get it finished.
Let’s Save LitReactor - Campaign Update
News by Taylor Houston
We're in the home stretch for the fundraiser that'll keep the site alive—and there's still time to help us meet our goal!
The Footprint of Eraserhead Press
Column by Jay Wilburn
Eraserhead and its imprints have had a massive impact on the evolution of bizarro, splatterpunk, extreme horror and other boundary-pushing genres.
Jason Fisk on Putting Art Out into the World
Interview by Ben Tanzer
The poet and author discusses his debut novel, and how its reception helped him understand his own writing more.
Help us Save LitReactor
News by Rob Hart
LitReactor has hit some hard times, so we're humbly turning to the community for some help.
7 Great Nonfiction Books Written by Women
Column by Kleopatra Olympiou
7 great works of nonfiction by women, for anyone in search of their great next read.
Blake Crouch on Creating Emotional Speculative Fiction
Interview by Jena Brown
The 'Upgrade' author talks the horrors of reality, and turning those into satisfying, emotional stories.
How This Pantser Became a Plotter — For Now
Column by Karis Rogerson
An avowed pantser turns herself into a plotter and falls in love with the journey.
Kim Vodicka: "I’m Only A Horror Writer Because My Life Is A Nightmare"
Interview by Gabriel Hart
Gabriel Hart interviews Memphis writer Kim Vodicka, author of 'Dear Ted' (Really Serious Literature).
Here’s to Alcohol: A Ranking of Literary Cocktails
Column by Leah Dearborn
Searching for a muse? Summer weather is the perfect excuse to test out a few literary cocktail recipes. Maybe they'll help you write, or maybe (probably) the alcohol and sun will put you to sleep.
Where Is The Guy Fieri Of Books?
Column by Peter Derk
Because we need a hero to come along and dump a garbage can of books onto this literary scene.