My ruminations today are on the delicate balance between presenting our readers with something they want to read vs. challenging them to read something that is uncomfortable and even unpleasant but that might stick with them a little longer. It starts with the photo I’ve included with this post. While browsing blogs and online news…
Tag: Kevin Paul Tracy
TAKING CRITICISM
By Kevin Paul Tracy Some of the most respected classical writers throughout history did literary criticism as either a sideline or as a career before they sold their own novels. From Edgar Allen Poe to Oscar Wilde, then great writers would often decimate their peers in papers and writing journals, eviscerating them in public treatments….
TURNING OUR NOSE UP AT THE INDULGENT
By Kevin Paul Tracy The other day I stumbled across, of all random things things, the old Punk Rock hit, “Turning Japanese.” (“I think I’m turning Japanese. I think I’m turning Japanese. I really think so!“) Before I knew it I was laughing and doing a silly dance there at my desk. It had been…
THOSE WHO CAN’T TEACH, DO.
By Kevin Paul Tracy This is not going to be a popular opinion with a lot of people out there, including many aspiring writers. In answer to the question, “Can you teach someone to write?” my answer is yes…and no. I firmly believe you can teach someone to write, but you cannot teach anyone to…
WAR IN FICTION
By Kevin Paul Tracy I’ve spent the past three posts discussing elements of politics in fiction, somewhat focused on world-building, which is often considered an activity of the speculative fiction writer, but I submit is also a job for any crafter of mysteries, adventures, thrillers, etc. who wants to provide a solid plot line that…