There are no bad words…only bad writers. Some words, however, set off warning alarms, signaling that the writer is venturing toward a danger zone and should back away slowly. Before you use these words (if you must) be aware of what you’re doing. Here are a few examples: Suddenly: The word is okay to use…
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Invitation to the Game
This question popped up on a discussion group recently and it’s one I’ve pondering of late. Here was the abbreviated question, posted by Shalanna Collins: “I’m wondering how you feel about the ‘invitation to the game’ that constitutes the mystery opening trope. What I mean is . . . when you pick up a mystery,…
The RMFW Spotlight is on Rene’ Zimbelman, Publicity Chair
Now that we have so many new members of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Board of Directors, we’ll once again be featuring the RMFW Spotlight on the blog. Our goal is to introduce our board members to all our readers and encourage other RMFW members to offer their time and energy to this energetic and…
Nothing More Terrifying: Writing the Holiday Novella
Many moons ago, as the cold winds swept across the lands, I used to scoff, yes I said it, scoff at those writers writing holiday novellas. Hacks the lot of them. And then I realized something—I’m the hack. I’m the writer not using all the tools in my utility belt. It’s me who sucks, not…
Rocky Mountain Writer Podcast #19
Joshua Viola & Hex Publishers Joshua Viola—author, artist, and video game developer—is the guest. In addition to creating a transmedia creative franchise around The Bane of Yoto, honored with more than a dozen literary awards, Josh is the author of Blackstar, a novel based on the work of Celldweller. He’s also the editor of the…