Author Archives: smwright

Post-Gen Con 2016: Reexamining Writing Goals

The Gen Con Writer’s Symposium was amazing. I walked away completely refreshed and with a bumper crop of information and ideas. I cannot recommend enough finding and attending similar events to get the latest information about what is going on in the publishing industry or just to get inspired to take your craft to the nextContinue reading “Post-Gen Con 2016: Reexamining Writing Goals”

Check Out ‘The Ballerina’s Gift’

If you love paranormal fiction with a horror edge, be sure to get a copy of The Ballerina’s Gift by Rachelle M.N. Shaw, which was recently released electronically via Amazon. It is the second story in The Porcelain Souls series; however, readers can download the first short story in the series, The Eyes That Moved, for free (also availableContinue reading “Check Out ‘The Ballerina’s Gift’”

Counting Down To GenCon

The weekend is almost here and I can’t wait! This Friday I will be attending another Next Indiana Campfires event, which marries literature, nature and the Indiana Bicentennial. Then on Saturday, I get to go to GenCon in Indianapolis! I made it to the Next Indiana Campfires event in my home community, which was hostedContinue reading “Counting Down To GenCon”

UPDATE: Announcing Project YA Editorial Extension

Rachelle and I are extending the Project YA Editorial contest! The new deadline will be Sunday, Oct. 30, so be sure to get your short stories around. The theme is still Follow the White Rabbit, and we want stories featuring a tattoo, or tattoos, as an integral part to the overall plot. She and I willContinue reading “UPDATE: Announcing Project YA Editorial Extension”

Staying Uplifted While Querying

The querying process is one of the hardest steps for a writer to face — even more so than the daunting editing process. A finished manuscript, after all, is our baby, and it’s hard to kick your baby out into the cold cruel world. And trust me, it can be a cruel world. I’ve beenContinue reading “Staying Uplifted While Querying”

Now Accepting Submissions for Project YA Editorial 2016!

(Note: Exciting news, everyone! Rachelle Shaw and I will be holding a contest geared toward young writers. Check out the details–written by Rachelle–below! –SW)The official launch of the first contest for Project YA Editorial is finally here! As a campaign dedicated to helping young authors get their start in the publishing world, my good friendContinue reading “Now Accepting Submissions for Project YA Editorial 2016!”

In Need of a Fun Read? Give ‘The Wizard’s Gambit’ a Read

I may be a little biased — having had a window-of-sorts to see this novel grow into its finished product and being friends with the writer — but I think I can safely say many readers will find “The Wizard’s Gambit” to be a hilarious, enjoyable read, plus it has Littlehammer in it! With feudingContinue reading “In Need of a Fun Read? Give ‘The Wizard’s Gambit’ a Read”

Finding the right beginning

Some beginnings come easy; others, well, they bite, claw, and resist like no tomorrow, leaving behind frazzled writers. Take for instance my novel Heritage Lost: It’s beginning stuck from the very beginning, back when I conceptualized the novel in college. It’s sequel, which I’m am beginning, is already on its fourth (I think) beginning. NoneContinue reading “Finding the right beginning”

Adama & Roslin — The ultimate couple

As promised in yesterday’s post about writing romance, here is my ultimate couple: Commander (later Admiral) William Adama and President Laura Roslin. They pretty much nail every single bullet point in what I like to see when it comes to romance, and I can hands down say they are my favorite couple–and there are tons of fantastic couples in fantasy and science fiction.