Many years it rains on Halloween, here in Western PA. We parents have learned to plan costumes around the bad… Read more Happy Halloween

One of the first things I do in the morning, after getting up and grouching at the day, is check… Read more Using weather to set the scene in your novel

As a writer, I’m always learning. We need to be, as writers and artists, always learning and trying new things.… Read more How I’m improving my descriptions

If you’re serious about being a professional writer, you’ve got to get good at editing your own work. I actually… Read more My advice for self editing

If you’re trying to find time to write, you know it can be a nightmare. Your time’s ususally devoted to… Read more Controlling Your Life, The Email Course, comes to PBW

Brevity is the soul of wit. There’s a reason why everyone says this. It’s because it’s, duh, true. Good comedy… Read more Brevity is the soul of horror

Let’s talk about magic for a little today. Let’s sit down together, and talk about everyday magic. I love writing… Read more Talismans

I mentioned last week that I didn’t know how to write a horror novel. I’ll try, eventually. I love horror… Read more What scares people

Who’s doing some serious horror movie watching this year? We are in my house. I can’t even list all of… Read more Cliches in horror that need a stake through the heart.

I don’t feel like I do enough personal essays here. So here’s one that I’ve been thinking about for awhile.… Read more Second hand stores, a personal essay