Author Archives: Brian Bixby

Unknown's avatar

About Brian Bixby

I enjoy history because it helps me understand people. I'm writing fiction for much the same reason.

Dragon Lady’s weekly update, chapter 4, is now available

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Brian Bixby

The fourth chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, “Realizations, responsibilities, and regrets,” is now available. What is the significance of the headless dog? What does James really think about his employers? Follow the link to find out. If you’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady, Writing fiction | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Supernatural fiction

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Since The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge is historical supernatural fiction, and I talked about historical fiction last week, it’s time to talk about supernatural fiction this week. Rather than talk theory, I’m going to discuss some examples. Mind you, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Dragon Lady chapter 3 is up

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Brian Bixby

The third chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, “Well-matched partners,” is now up and available. Read how Rebecca draws on the lessons she learned from her Uncle Israel to confront a man who has no soul! Just click on … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dragon Lady and Oneida: A historical note

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Brian Bixby

As mentioned in chapter 2 of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, Rebecca Maxwell put on clothing based on that worn by women in the Oneida Perfectionist community. But what was the Oneida Perfectionist community? Why was it considered scandalous? And … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dragon Lady chapter 2 is up

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Brian Bixby

As promised, the second chapter of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge, entitled “How to make an unfavorable impression every time,” has been posted this morning. Just why does Rebecca carry a walking stick? And what is wrong with Ellen Taylor’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ahistorical fiction

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Brian Bixby

We have this category called “historical fiction.” There are two problems with it. First, the history is supposed to be factual, but isn’t. Second, the fiction is supposed to be historical, but isn’t. You want to write historical fiction that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing fiction | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Kicking off Dragon Lady

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Brian Bixby

My serial publication of The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge: A Tale of Magic in the Gilded Age begins today with chapter 1, “A need and a necronym.” What exceedingly odd request does servant Ellen Taylor make of her employer, Mrs. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Writing fiction at length, at length

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Some nights ago, at a party, I mentioned to a friend that I’d already written two long stories, one running 250 pages. He thought about it, and then asked how one could possibly write anything that long. I gave him … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing fiction | Tagged , | 4 Comments

An appetizer to tide you over until next week

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Brian Bixby

The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge will start up next week on Friday, August 31. For this week, I’ve posted a letter from George S. Boutwell, who was Secretary of the Treasury in the first Grant Administration, to his daughter Georgianna, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What’s the story going to be about?

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Brian Bixby

Like the earlier story, The Dragon Lady of Stockbridge is a historical fantasy, set in a historical environment with a dose of magic. If people can practice magic, what does that do to their perception of the world? What ethics … Continue reading →

Posted in Dragon Lady | Tagged , , | Leave a comment