fiction with a dark edge
Readers often ask fiction writers the tiresome question: “Which part of your story is true?” The correct answer is: “The whole thing.” After all, if a story doesn't express a Greater Truth, why bother telling it? That said, I understand the urge to parse a story for “facts.” Coming from a journalism background, I’m sensitive... Continue Reading →
*Too Many Novels Exist Already If you’ve ever written a novel, contemplated writing a novel, have a friend who has, or have looked at trending hashtags on Twitter recently, you are no doubt aware that November is National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo for short. National Novel Writing Month is also a non-profit, with a mission... Continue Reading →
I have been happily crafting short stories for the last couple of years, in between finishing my last novel and weighing publishing options. Some stories have even been published. This has been immensely satisfying, especially in contrast with writing long-form fiction. It’s like the difference between adopting a dog and raising a child, where the... Continue Reading →
We've all heard the cliché "Write what you know." Perhaps it’s a useful instruction to beginning writers so they don’t get distracted while learning the basics of craft. Beyond that, it seems silly. My journalism training gave me the confidence to write about almost anything, as long as I was willing to do research. I... Continue Reading →
[If you're here just for the ROW80 update, skip to the bottom. Otherwise, enjoy.] "Everything I know about writing I learned from watching TV." This may sound odd coming from someone who watched very little TV as a child. (Really. Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color was it.) Nor is the statement 100% true. I... Continue Reading →
AUDREY KALMAN 